Roll call vote definition

A roll call vote is a vote in which each member of a legislative body votes individually, and their vote is entered into the official record. During a roll call vote, members’ names are either called aloud or electronically recorded by a voting station, and each of their votes is documented:s “yea,” “nay,” or sometimes, “present.”

Roll call votes create an official public record of how lawmakers vote on legislation, amendments, nominations, and procedural matters. They promote transparency and accountability by allowing constituents to review their representatives’ voting decisions.

When is a roll call vote required?

Roll call votes aren’t used for every decision in Congress; lots of routine matters are decided by oral vote or unanimous consent. Chamber rules require roll call votes when members formally request a recorded vote, or for certain types of legislative action as defined in the Constitution or chamber rules, or when leadership and/or chamber agreements specify it.

1. When members request a recorded vote

The Constitution gives lawmakers in both chambers the right to force a roll call vote if enough of their colleagues support the request.

House of Representatives

In the House, a roll call vote is required when at least one-fifth of a quorum present supports it. A quorum in the House is a majority of members present (218 people, if all seats are filled).

Senate

In the Senate, a roll call vote is required when one-fifth of senators present request it. Senate proceedings often rely on voice votes or unanimous consent, so allowing roll call votes means that senators can demand a public, recorded vote when desired.

2. When the US Constitution requires recorded votes

In certain cases, roll call votes are mandatory because the Constitution requires them. These include:

• Overriding of a Presidential veto
• Expelling a member of Congress

3. When chamber rules require recorded votes for specific actions

Certain legislative procedures require roll call votes under congressional rules or long-standing practice.

Examples include:

• Senate cloture votes (the process of formally ending a debate or filibuster)
• Confirmation of presidential nominations
• Treaty approval in the Senate

4. When Leadership or Chamber Agreements Require Recorded Votes

Sometimes, leadership or negotiated agreements specify that votes must be recorded. This often occurs with:

• Major or controversial legislation
• Budget measures
• High-profile amendments

What is the procedure for a roll call vote?

The procedure for a roll call vote varies slightly between the House and Senate, but follows the same general steps.

1. A Representative or Senator requests a roll call vote under their chamber’s rules.
2. The presiding officer determines whether the request meets the chamber’s requirements. If it does, they order the vote.
3. The presiding officer announces the voting period. In the House, electronic votes typically last at least 15 minutes for the first vote in a series, though later votes may be shorter. Senate votes usually remain open until all senators have had an opportunity to vote.
4. Members cast their votes. In the House, most roll call votes occur electronically. Reps insert voting cards into electronic voting stations and select their vote. In the Senate, the clerk typically calls senators’ names alphabetically, and each senator states their vote orally.
5. The presiding officer announces the final tally, which is entered into the official Congressional Record.