To amend the motion to elect a speaker, viva voce, by inserting instead of viva voce, the words "by ballot."

On May 31, 1841, the House voted 67–153. Result: failed. By party: Others 63–72, Democrats 4–80, Independents 0–1. 4 members voted against their own party.

During the 27th Congress (1841–1842), John Tyler was president.

Yes: 67
No: 153
Did not vote: 36
Date: May 31, 1841

By party

Democrats4 yes · 80 no · 21 didn’t vote
Others63 yes · 72 no · 15 didn’t vote
Independents0 yes · 1 no

Who broke with their party

Isaac Edward Holmes D-SC voted yes
Sampson Hale Butler D-SC voted yes
Francis Wilkinson Pickens D-SC voted yes
Patrick Calhoun Caldwell D-SC voted yes

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To amend the motion to elect a speaker, viva…: House Vote, May 31…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/27-H-1/to-amend-the-motion-to-elect-a-speaker-viva (accessed 2026-10-17).