How do you ask for a ballot vote?

Parliamentary Procedure Q&A

Q: What conditions must be present to ask for or obtain a secret ballot vote? - Don Graham, Nov. 16, 1999

A: Here's a common case. A motion is being debated and it's about to come up as a viva voce vote (voice vote: 'ayes' and 'noes').

A member gains recognition by the chair.

The member moves "that the vote for this motion be taken by ballot." Another member seconds the motion.

This motion is undebatable, but it is amendable as to the method (e.g., roll call, rising counted vote, etc.).

If a majority of the votes are in favor, the original motion will be voted by ballot.

Here's another case. A motion has just been voted on by viva voce.

A member gains recognition by the chair.
The member moves "that the vote be retaken by ballot." Another member seconds the motion.
The process continues as above.

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