How do Representatives and Senators vote?
There is a set of buttons on the desk of every Representative and Senator – a green one for a “yes” vote and a red one for a “no” vote. Roll-call votes are recorded electronically and are visible on a board on each side of the Senate chamber and the House chamber. A roll-call vote, where every member’s vote is recorded, is required for the final passage of a bill or conference committee report. However, in order to have a roll-call vote for an amendment or, in the Senate, a bill on General Orders, a member must request a roll-call and be supported by a certain number of members. Otherwise, votes are taken by voice, in which case only the outcome of the vote is officially recorded in the House or Senate Journal. All roll-call votes are recorded in the House or Senate Journal.
