The House of Keys has unanimously backed plans to record electronic votes on all divisions, after a lengthy debate on transparency.
Clare Barber, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, brought the motion to ensure members’ voting records are publicly available and searchable.
An amendment from David Ashford MHK added exemptions for procedural motions, including leave of absence requests, to prevent the house from “grinding to a halt”.
Mr Ashford warned that without exemptions, a single sitting considering multiple bills could require 78 electronic votes, adding “effectively just under two hours” to proceedings.
A further amendment from Lawrie Hooper ensured the database would be searchable by individual member.
The motion as amended passed with 22 votes in favour and none against. The matter now goes to the Standing Orders Committee for detailed implementation.