Voting and speaking at Congress
Voting technology
A computerised voting system is normally used for voting in debates in the main Congress auditorium. This technology increases the democracy of the meeting and reduces the time required for voting, thereby allowing more time for members to express their views in the debates.
There is a manual card vote system in place in the event that the computerised system fails. On arrival at Congress, voting members will be given details of where to sit and what to do if a manual card vote is taken. You should bring your red voting card in with your registration papers to the meeting with you as replacements will not be given out on the day.
Substituting votes
If, for any reason, a designated voting representative is unable to attend a specific debate or conference session, it is possible for a non-voting member from the same branch or membership group to substitute for that voting member by the substitute going to the registration desk.
Preparing and speaking in debates
All members registered for Congress, whether they are voting or non-voting, may speak in debates. All speakers should use the lectern on the conference stage. A computerised microphone queuing system will be activated through the handset issued on registration. The handsets will have clear instructions on how they work.
All voting members will be able to access the microphone queues from their interactive handsets.
Additionally non-voting members wishing to speak will be able to collect an interactive handset on their way into the auditorium and access the system from their seat.
Proposing and seconding resolutions
Members who are proposing resolutions and items for discussion and those seconding resolutions are asked to provide their names to the Agenda Committee in advance of the session in which their item is to be taken. Proposers are asked to read their resolution or matter for discussion at the beginning of their speech, after they have given their name.
Any voting member can propose an amendment to the wording of resolutions or matters for discussion – see the Congress Constitution. If you wish to do this, please use the relevant form available from the Congress enquiry desk and the Agenda Committee table (in the hall).