A.4. Open and Accountable Votes

When recommendations for action are referred, the whole chamber will deliberate in open session and must make a final vote within forty-five (45) days. Voice votes or votes of acclamation are prohibited.

This is a deceptively simple clause. It accomplishes two things. First, it sidesteps the usual discretion chamber leadership has on what must be debated and brought to a vote, by stating that the chamber will deliberate in open session and that a final vote must occur within 45 days. Second, by prohibiting voice votes and votes of acclamation, the Charter forces a roll-call vote. Every member of the chamber will be on record as absent, abstaining, voting for, or voting against. There will be no ambiguity.