#67: CIVICS 101: The Legislative Branch
Q&A #67: How are record votes taken in Congress?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: The Legislative Branch: The Congress
Congressional Rules and Procedures
Q&A #67: How are record votes taken in Congress?
Most votes are taken by a simple voice method, in which the yeas and nays are called out, respectively, and the judgment of the chair as to which are greater in number determines the vote. If a recorded vote is desired, a sufficient second must support it. The Constitution simply provides that ‘‘the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall at the Desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the Journal.’’ A sufficient second in the Committee of the Whole is 25.
Since 1973, the House has used an electronic voting system to reduce the time consumed in voting. The Senate continues to use an oral call of the roll. Each Chamber permits a minimum of 15 minutes to complete a vote, though time for each vote may be reduced if several votes are conducted sequentially.
My Thoughts
In person voting is still required in Congress, even though the votes themselves are recorded electronically. This ensures that members are in Washington from time to time and are able to keep working together face-to-face.
If you to read some interesting back history about electronic voting in the House, click here.
Back next time with Q&A #68: Are there time limitations on debate in Congress?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
March 24, 2025