On Senators "not voting", is this similar to voting "present" in other bodies?

[DaveinJapan]

Just curious, I know that certain times a Senator is simply not available to vote (I remember that from when Teddy was sick), but can they actually be on the floor and say "not voting"? Or do they have to vote yes or no?

Thanks in advance!

[Tx4obama]

1. They are normally listed as 'not voting' when they are not physically there

Have you seen senators on the senate floor that have not voted?

p.s. There is NO rule that states a senator must vote, no matter if he/she is on the floor or not.
A person could get elected to a senate seat and 'never' ever cast a vote if they decided not to, but they probably wouldn't be re-elected :)

[Recovered Repug]

4. With approval ratings of Congress hovering around 15%,

never voting might be the smartest idea. :D

[PoliticAverse]

2. A Senator doesn't have to vote on any piece of legislation.

They can simply decline to vote.

"Not Voting" can mean either not available to vote or declining to vote.

The US Senate doesn't support the option to vote "Present".

[DaveinJapan]

3. Thanks for the info guys. nt.