This practice, however, should only be allowed by unanimous consent, since it has the disadvantage of allowing a member of the defeated party the right to move to reconsider. The chairman is entitled to vote when the vote is by ballot, and in all other cases when his vote will change the result. ([1]Notes to section 52.) Therefore, when there is a tie vote the motions fails unless the chair votes in the affirmative, or when his vote will make a tie, he can cast it and thus defeat the measure. In the case where a two-third vote in necessary and his vote thrown with the minority would prevent the adoption of the question, he can cast his vote; so, also, he can vote with the majority when it will make a two-third vote and thus cause the motion to carry. In any of these cases the chair may vote or refrain from voting.
51. If the vote is by the Yeas and Nays, the chairman's name should be the last called, in order that the assembly may not be in any way influenced by his vote. If, however, the chairman's name is called in alphabetical order with the other members,
- ↑ Note.—It will be seen that the above rule from Robert's Rules of Order, section 40, confers great power upon the chair, possibly too much in assemblies where the lines are closely drawn, or where party feeling runs high. Therefore, while good authorities may concede this right, and many presiding officers under certain circumstances would exercise the right, yet since the general practice in ordinary deliberative assemblies contradicts this, it seems wiser for the chairman to refrain from voting, except when the vote is by ballot, or when necessary to decide a tie vote.
