247. In any of the modes of taking a question, in which it is first put on one side, and then on the other, it is no full question, until the negative as well as the affirmative has been put. Consequently, until the negative has been put, it is in order for any member, in the same manner as if the division had not commenced, to rise and speak, make motions for amendment, or otherwise, and thus renew the debate; and this, whether such member was in the assembly-room or not, when the question was put and partly taken. In such a case, the question must be put over again on the affirmative as well as the negative side; for the reason, that members who were not in the assembly-room, when the question was first put, may have since come in, and also that some of those who voted, may have since changed their minds. When a question is taken by yeas and nays, and the negative as well as the affirmative of the question is stated, and the voting on each side begins and proceeds at the same time, the question cannot be opened and the debate renewed, after the voting has commenced.
248. If any question arises, in a point of order, as, for example, as to the right or the duty of a member to vote, during a division, the presiding officer must decide it peremptorily, subject to the revision and correction of the assembly, after the division is over. In a case of this kind, there can be no debate, though the presiding officer may if he pleases receive the assistance of members with their advice, which they are to give sitting, in order to avoid even the appearance of a debate; but this can only be with the leave of the presiding officer, as otherwise the division might be prolonged to an inconvenient length; nor can any question be taken, for otherwise there might be division upon division without end.
249. When, from counting the assembly on a division, it appears that there is not a quorum present, there is no decision; but the matter in question continues in the same state, in which it was before the division; and, when afterwards resumed, whether on the same or on some future day, it must be taken up at that precise point.
34. The most common expression is: “I doubt the vote,” or, “that vote is doubted.”