Legal Definitions - voice vote

A voice vote is a method of voting where participants express their approval or disapproval of a motion or proposal by speaking aloud, typically by saying "aye" for yes or "nay" for no. The presiding officer listens to the collective response and determines which side has the majority based on the perceived volume or number of voices. This method is often used for quick decisions on non-controversial issues, as it does not record individual votes.

Here are some examples:

• Community Association Meeting: During a monthly homeowners' association meeting, the president asks for a vote on whether to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. The president states, "All those in favor of approving the minutes, please say 'aye'." A strong chorus of "ayes" follows. Then the president asks, "All those opposed, please say 'nay'." Only a few faint "nays" are heard. The president then declares, "The ayes have it; the minutes are approved."

  This illustrates a voice vote because the members expressed their choice verbally ("aye" or "nay"), and the president determined the outcome by judging which side had the louder or more numerous response, rather than counting individual hands or ballots.

• Legislative Body - Procedural Vote: In a county council session, a council member makes a motion to move a particular bill to the top of the agenda for immediate consideration. The council chair asks, "All in favor of bringing the bill forward, please say 'aye'." A significant number of council members respond with "aye." The chair then asks, "All opposed, please say 'nay'." A smaller number of "nays" are heard. The chair announces, "The motion to advance the bill passes."

  Here, the county council used a voice vote for a procedural decision. The outcome was determined by the chair's assessment of the verbal responses, allowing for a quick decision without a formal roll call or individual vote tabulation.

• Corporate Board Meeting - Routine Approval: At a quarterly board meeting for a small tech startup, the CEO presents a proposal for a minor update to the company's employee handbook. After a brief discussion, the board chair asks, "Is there a motion to approve the handbook update?" A board member moves to approve, and another seconds it. The chair then says, "All those in favor of approving the handbook update, signify by saying 'aye'." A clear majority of "ayes" are heard. The chair then asks, "All opposed, say 'nay'." No "nays" are heard. The chair announces, "The motion carries."

  This demonstrates a voice vote being used for a routine, non-controversial item. The board members' verbal "aye" indicated their approval, and the chair's judgment of the collective response determined the outcome without requiring a formal written vote.