When putting a question to a vote, what should the chair usually call for first?

When putting a question to a vote, the chair should usually call for the affirmative and negative votes first to clearly establish how many members support the motion and how many oppose it. This approach allows the chair to gauge the overall sentiment of the assembly regarding the issue at hand and facilitates a straightforward tallying of votes.

By calling for both affirmative and negative votes together, the chair ensures that the voting process is efficient and transparent. Members can express their opinions directly, and the result reflects a complete picture of the group's stance. Once the chair has established the counts for both sides, then abstentions can be acknowledged if necessary, but they are generally considered secondary to the primary outcome of the vote. This standard practice helps maintain order and clarity during the voting process, ensuring that all members are aware of the prevailing views before the final decision is made.