Timing of the first-round speaker vote
Here's the timing for what we expect for the first round of speaker votes this afternoon:
- The clerk (Kevin McCumber, acting clerk) calls the House of Representatives to order at noon EST.
- Prayer led by Margaret Grun Kibben -- the first female chaplain of the House.
- Pledge of Allegiance led by the House clerk.
- Quorum call is ordered by the clerk. Members are called to vote electronically by state. At this point, we will hear the official number of lawmakers present and voting.
- Election for speaker with nominations made by selected lawmakers. Typically, one lawmaker from each party is nominated -- in this case, Jordan is the Republican nominee and Jeffries is the Democratic nominee. House Republican Conference chairwoman Elise Stefanik will nominate Jordan; House Democratic Caucus chairman Pete Aguilar will nominate Jeffries.
- Debate on the nomination of candidates for speaker is allowed but not customary.
- “Tellers” are appointed to count “viva voce” voice votes, usually two members from each side of the aisle. A “viva voce” vote is one spoken aloud. The (usually) four tellers take a seat at the dais and tally votes on paper.
- Roll is then called by the House reading clerk with members calling out the last name of their chosen speaker; the clerk repeats the choice so everyone hears it. This could take up to one hour.
- The House clerk announces the results; appoints an escort committee to formally escort the new Speaker-elect into the chamber.
If the first round fails, the process is restarted. The House might recess immediately so members could meet behind closed doors in conference.




