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VIII. Forms of Putting Certain Questions
In putting the question on an appeal, the Chair does not ask if the decision of the Chair be overruled, but-" Shall the decision of the Chair be sustained?" or " Shall the decision of the Chair stand?"
If there be a tie vote, the decision of the Chair is overruled, because of the lack of a majority.
In putting the question on striking out certain words, it is put-" Shall these words [naming them] stand as part of the resolution?" If there be a tie vote, they are struck out, because a majority have not pronounced in their favor. On a demand for the order of the day, the question is put " Will the Society [council, club, whatever it is now proceed to the order [or orders] of the day?" On a demand for the previous question, the form is " Shall the Main Question be now put?" On an objection to the consideration of a question, if made at the time of the introduction of the subject, the form is " Shall the question be considered?" On putting the yeas and nays-" As many as are in favor of the motion [or resolutions] will when their names are called answer, Aye. Those of the contrary opinion, No. Mr. Secretary, call the roll."
On a call for the yeas and nays" As many as are in favor of calling the yeas and nays, will, when their names are called, say, Aye. Mr. Secretary, call the roll." When the requisite number have answered the Secretary suspends calling, reports result to Chair, who says-[naming the number,] "In the affirmative. The yeas and nays are ordered." Or, if there be no objection, he may say " Those in favor of calling the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing till counted." He then counts them audibly, and announces the number and result. But if any member cries "vote!" or otherwise dissents, the roll must be called for the ayes only.