The Decision-Making Process / Recorded Divisions
Member voting twice on the same motion
Debates, p. 8996
Context
On June 6, 2012, Brian Jean (Fort McMurray—Athabasca) rose on a point of order with regard to a recorded division on the second reading of Bill C-273, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (cyberbullying). Before the Clerk announced the results of the vote, Mr. Jean rose to indicate that he had inadvertently voted twice and had intended to vote against the motion.
Resolution
The Speaker indicated that, in accordance with past practice, when Members vote twice on a motion, they are accorded the opportunity to clarify their intentions. Mr. Jean was therefore recorded as voting against the motion.
Decision of the Chair
The Speaker: The hon. Member voted twice. It has been the practice that when a Member votes twice, he then indicates which way he meant to vote. In this case he has indicated that he meant to vote against. That is how it has been when a Member gets up on both the yeas and the nays.
Postscript
Following the division, there was an equality of voices, which required the Speaker to use his casting vote. As per past practice for tie votes at second reading of a bill, the Speaker voted in favour of the motion.[1]
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