Why might MPs try to leave House of Representatives before a vote?
When a decision is made in the House of Representatives, it is put to a vote. Members can vote yes or no, or they can choose to abstain from the vote which means to not vote at all.
In a division – a formal vote – members must be in the House of Representatives to be counted. If members choose to abstain, they need to leave the House of Representatives to prevent being counted. Members usually have 4 minutes to enter or leave the House of Representatives, unless more than one division vote is held in quick succession, in which case members have 1 minute.
The Senate has the same procedures for voting and abstaining as the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives during a division
DPS AUSPIC
The House of Representatives during a division
DPS AUSPIC
Description
A formal vote called a division happening in the House of Representatives. Members are dividing into two groups. Those voting 'aye' or 'yes' are moving to sit on one side of the House and on those voting 'no' are moving to sit on the other side.
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