Legal Definitions - teller vote

A teller vote is a method of voting, commonly used in legislative bodies or large formal meetings, where participants physically move to be counted by designated officials, known as "tellers." Instead of a voice vote, a show of hands, or an electronic tally, members physically pass through specific areas or stand in groups, allowing the tellers to accurately record their votes.

Here are some examples illustrating a teller vote:

• Example 1: Parliamentary Procedure

  Imagine a national parliament debating a new environmental protection bill. When it comes time for the final vote, the Speaker announces a teller vote. Members in favor of the bill are instructed to walk through the "Aye" lobby, while those against it walk through the "No" lobby. Clerks, acting as tellers, stand at the exit of each lobby, meticulously counting each member as they pass through. Once all members have been counted, the tellers report their numbers to the Speaker, who then announces the result.

  This example demonstrates a teller vote because members physically move through designated areas to register their vote, and specific officials (clerks/tellers) are responsible for counting them.

• Example 2: Large Association Meeting

  During the annual general meeting of a large professional association, members need to vote on a significant amendment to their bylaws. To ensure an accurate and transparent count for such an important decision, the chairperson calls for a teller vote. Members supporting the amendment are asked to stand and move to the left side of the conference hall, while those opposing it move to the right. Several appointed volunteers, acting as tellers, then walk through each group, counting every individual present in their respective sections. The combined counts from the tellers determine whether the amendment passes or fails.

  This illustrates a teller vote as it involves the physical separation of voters into groups based on their choice, followed by a direct count by designated individuals (tellers) to determine the outcome.

• Example 3: Union Contract Ratification

  A local labor union is holding a critical meeting to vote on whether to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. Given the high stakes and potential for disagreement, the union president decides against a simple show of hands and instead calls for a teller vote. Members who wish to accept the contract are directed to line up in one aisle of the meeting hall, and those who wish to reject it are asked to line up in another. Several trusted shop stewards are appointed as tellers, and they systematically walk down each line, counting every member to ensure a precise and verifiable tally of the votes for and against the contract.

  This scenario exemplifies a teller vote because members physically arrange themselves according to their vote, and specific, appointed individuals (shop stewards/tellers) are responsible for conducting a direct, physical count of each vote.