voice vote

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.

voice vote

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of voice vote¹

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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