voice vote

American  

noun

1. a vote based on estimation of the relative strength of ayes and noes called out rather than on a counting of ballots, a roll call, or a division.

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voice vote British  

noun

1. a vote taken in a legislative body by calling for the ayes and the noes and estimating which faction is more numerous from the volume of the noise

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Etymology

Origin of voice vote

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Burchett motioned in the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday to have the panel proceed with a subpoena for Maxwell to appear for public testimony, a move that was adopted by voice vote.

From Los Angeles Times

On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee approved a motion to subpoena Maxwell by voice vote.

From Salon

If the Republican majority in the present Senate were just a little less pliant than it is, she would be laughed out of the chamber, the matter settled in a lopsided voice vote.

From Slate

The matter threatened to embarrass President Obama until a resolution was approved by a voice vote and the words were added to the platform — even though the measure clearly failed to receive the two-thirds support required.

From Los Angeles Times

Alaska Democrats will hold a voice vote for their party-run preference poll at in-person and virtual district meetings Saturday.

From Seattle Times