Which motion allows members to divide the assembly to determine whether a vote is evenly split?

Which motion allows members to divide the assembly to determine whether a vote is evenly split?

• A. Suspend the Rules
• B. Division of the Question
• C. Division of the Assembly
• D. Consideration by Paragraph/Seriatim

Answer: (C)

Dividing the Assembly is the mechanism used when a voice vote is too close to call and members want a counted result. After a motion is stated and the voice vote is taken, any member can demand a division to have the vote counted more precisely. The chair then conducts a counted vote, often by rising, ballot, or roll call, depending on the rules. If the tally shows the vote is evenly split, the motion fails because it has not achieved a majority. This is distinct from other procedures. Suspending the Rules is about taking action while bypassing certain formalities for that moment. Division of the Question would split a single motion into separate parts for consideration, not determine the outcome of a vote. Consideration by Paragraph/Seriatim concerns how a multi-part motion is debated or considered, not how to obtain a counted vote.

Dividing the Assembly is the mechanism used when a voice vote is too close to call and members want a counted result. After a motion is stated and the voice vote is taken, any member can demand a division to have the vote counted more precisely. The chair then conducts a counted vote, often by rising, ballot, or roll call, depending on the rules. If the tally shows the vote is evenly split, the motion fails because it has not achieved a majority.

This is distinct from other procedures. Suspending the Rules is about taking action while bypassing certain formalities for that moment. Division of the Question would split a single motion into separate parts for consideration, not determine the outcome of a vote. Consideration by Paragraph/Seriatim concerns how a multi-part motion is debated or considered, not how to obtain a counted vote.