Electronic Voting Machine
/tiles/non-collection/h/hc_voting_machine_2005_204.xml
Voting Machine, Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
About this object
Recorded and roll call votes are normally taken by electronic device, except when
the Speaker orders the vote to be recorded by other methods prescribed by the Rules
of the House. In addition, quorum calls are generally taken by electronic device.
Each Member is provided with a personalized Vote-ID Card which can be used to vote
electronically. A number of vote stations are positioned around the Chamber. Each
vote station has a slot into which the voting card is inserted and buttons marked
"yea," "nay," "present." The stations have an "open" indicator, which is lit when
a vote is in progress and the system is ready to accept votes. Members vote by inserting
the voting card into the card slot and pressing the appropriate button to indicate
the Member's choice.
Members, if they wish, may have their votes recorded by handing a paper ballot to
the Tally Clerk, who then records the vote electronically according to the indicated
preference of the Member. The paper ballots are green for "yea," red for "nay,"
and amber for "present." The voting machine records the votes and tallies the result
when the vote is completed.