A voice vote in a legislative body refers to a vote taken on a topic where the participants respond to a question with "yea" (yes), "nay" (no), or "present" (abstain). Typically the chairperson or speaker of the assembly will ask a question to the effect of "All in favor?" followed by "All opposed?" and so on. The decision is then decided based on the chairperson or speaker's discretion, although it can be challenged. In such a case, if a certain proportion of the assembly agrees, a recorded vote or division vote takes place. A legislature is a governmental deliberative body with the power to adopt laws. ... Voting is a method of decision making wherein a group such as a meeting or an electorate attempts to gauge its opinion—usually as a final step following discussions or debates. ... The term Speaker is usually the title given to the presiding officer of a countrys lower house of parliament or congress. ... In the United States Congress, a recorded vote is a vote in which the names of those voting for and against a motion may be recorded. ... It has been suggested that Division of the house be merged into this article or section. ...
As a result, no names or numbers on who voted for what are recorded due to its impracticality, and the record will often stand as something to the effect of "unanimously approved by Voice Vote." This tactic is used when the matter in question is either uncontroversial or paradoxically when the matter at hand is quite controversial and participants wish for "political cover."
Alternative formulations for the vote, depending on the custom of the body, include "aye" for the affirmative and "no" for the negative.
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