Division of the assembly

In parliamentary procedure, a division of the assembly, division of the house, or simply division is a method for taking a precise count of a vote: members express their opinion on a motion simultaneously and the numbers for and against are counted. It is opposed to a roll call vote, which is not simultaneous, and a voice vote, which is by estimation. Typically, a division is taken when the result of a voice vote is challenged by a quota of members. Historically, and often still today, members literally divided into physically separate groups which were then counted. This was the method used in the Roman Senate, and occasionally in Athenian democracy. Westminster system parliament chambers have separate division lobbies for the ""Ayes"" and ""Noes"" to facilitate physical division. Alternatives to this are a rising vote (members stand up from their seats) or electronic voting. In several assemblies, a division bell is rung throughout the building when a division is happening, in order to alert members not present in the chamber.