Does Division of the Question require a vote?

Parliamentary Procedure Q&A

Q: If a member calls for a division of the question, is this action voted on or automatically granted to the member? - WJ Bradley, Jan. 4, 2000

A: There are two "division" motions: Division of the Question and Division of the Assembly.

Division of the Assembly may be demanded by a single member (without seconding or voting), and requires that a vote that was taken by voice to be retaken by standing. (See RONR p. 277.)

Division of the Question requests that a complex but divisible motion be divided into two separate motions. This motion requires a second and a majority vote. (See RONR p. 269.)

An example of a motion that could be divided is, "that the club purchase a printer and a scanner for its computer." This could be divided into two motions: one for the printer, and one for the scanner.

An example of a motion that could not be divided is, "that the club purchase a computer and a support contract for it." If it were divided and the motion for the computer was not adopted, it would make no sense to vote on whether to purchase a support contract.

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