Is a Division of Assembly out of order when another member has the floor?

A Division of Assembly is a motion that is used to obtain a count of those in favor and against a motion when the result of a voice vote is unclear. It is a fundamental tool in parliamentary procedure to ensure that a clear decision is reached regarding a matter.

The key point to understand about a Division of Assembly is that it can be called at any time, even when another member is speaking. This is because the privilege of members to seek clarity on the will of the assembly is prioritized over the individual speaking. In a meeting, the process allows members to request a division without interrupting the current speaker. The group’s decision-making process should not be stalled by one member's floor time.

By recognizing this aspect of parliamentary procedure, one can appreciate the importance of ensuring that the assembly's decisions are based on an accurate count of votes rather than solely relying on voice votes, which might not reflect true opinions. This ensures transparency and accountability within the decision-making process.