General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMaybe a dumb question but
Can the house stop the vote when they get the number they need? So some members don't need to vote.
MineralMan
(146,288 posts)That way, we know who voted and how. That's part of the transparency of Congress. How our representatives vote is part of our decision-making process at election time.
Nope. The House won't do that. If you vote, how you voted will be recorded.
bluestarone
(16,926 posts)MineralMan
(146,288 posts)I don't want to protect Democrats who vote with Republicans. I want to elect new Democrats who will vote with Democrats.
Things are changing.
Bettie
(16,095 posts)Seriously, why would Democrats still say "well, maybe...".
2naSalit
(86,577 posts)have indicated that they are okay if they are voted out afterward, this is that important. I applaud them for knowing that this shouldn't be a forever job for all of them.
Ferrets are Cool
(21,106 posts)onenote
(42,700 posts)or not show up, that's how they avoid casting a recorded vote.
bluestarone
(16,926 posts)StarfishSaver
(18,486 posts)Most votes are held open for 15-minutes but the Speaker or Chair can and frequently does keep the vote open longer to make sure everyone gets to vote. But there would probably be a riot if they cut the vote off early.
There are few things more entertaining (or annoying if you're trying to get up Independence Avenue) in DC than watching Members scramble to get from their office buildings to the Capitol for a vote. Sometimes it's a huge rush of people running across the street trying to get to the floor before the vote closes. It can be quite a sight...
bluestarone
(16,926 posts)StarfishSaver
(18,486 posts)TidalWave46
(2,061 posts)I think their only real option would be to vote present or vote against it.
Wounded Bear
(58,648 posts)Those are the options, other than just not showing up.
I'd be rather unhappy if my Rep voted "Present" on such a consequential vote.
BumRushDaShow
(128,905 posts)which are usually very very flexible as they wait for members to travel to the chamber from whereever they may be (often in hearings in buildings away from the actual Capitol building). Once a vote is taken (whether voice vote or by the yays and nays), they will eventually close it out and read the final tabulation of the "yays" and "nays" (if necessary) and will then do a motion to reconsider, afterwhich they will declare the motion is laid on the table as a way to finalize the vote. Anyone who doesn't vote will be counted as "NV" (not voting).
There is no need to "stop" a vote if people haven't voted yet but often you will hear cheering in the chamber once the outcome of a vote that was desired, is achieved, but the voting will continue until the chair officially closes it out.
StarfishSaver
(18,486 posts)Great explanation!