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

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

Democratic voters will convene in meetings in each of Alaska’s 40 state House districts and indicate their support for Biden in a voice vote.

From Seattle Times

Rather than cancel the primary as Florida and Delaware did last month, the party changed the event to a simple voice vote and pushed it back a week to coincide with the state House district caucuses.

From Seattle Times

After exhaustive discussions, Elmore’s annual town budget of $1.1 million is passed in a voice vote.

From Seattle Times