The word ‘Vote’ originated from Latin word ‘Votum’ indicating one’s wishes or desire. He can vote formally by expressing his opinion or wish in favour or against a proposal.

Types of Voting: There are two methods of voting viz, open and secret procedures.

(i) Open Voting: This type of voting has no secrecy as all the members assembled can see voting. 

There are two types of open voting namely voice voting and voting by show of hands.

• By Voice: Voice voting is a popular type of voting in which the chairman allows the members to raise their voice in favour or against an issue ‘Yes’ for approval and ‘No’ for rejection.
• By Show of Hands: Under this method, the chairman requests the members to raise their hands for the proposal.

(ii) Secret Procedure: Secret procedure is adopted to decide certain vital issues. 

It may be of two types:

• By Ballot: Under this system, ballot paper bearing serial number is given to the members to record their opinion by marking with the symbol.
• Postal Ballot: Big companies or big associations having members scattered all over the country follow this method of voting. Under this method, the members or voters fill in the ballot papers sent by the company and return them in sealed covers.