Rollcall

Roll call is a procedure in which the names of participants are called in sequence to establish presence or attendance and to record votes. Traditionally, a clerk or secretary reads through a list, and the person responds with an acknowledgment such as “present” or “here,” or with a specific vote in the case of a roll call vote. Roll calls are used in legislatures, schools, courts, and organizations to ensure accountability and determine quorum.

In legislative bodies, roll calls serve to record attendance and to document votes on measures. The format varies by jurisdiction; some assemblies conduct a formal roll call where each member’s vote is recorded publicly, while others use electronic or voice methods. A roll call may be required to validate a quorum before official business proceeds, and it is distinct from other voting methods like voice or show of hands.

In education, roll call is a routine method for confirming student attendance at the start of a class or day. Teachers may take attendance orally, via attendance sheets, or with electronic systems that track participation and tardiness.

In other settings, roll call is used in the military for morning muster, and in corporate meetings to verify the presence of participants before proceeding.

Variations include electronic roll calls, biometrics, and remote attendance tools. The practice supports record-keeping, legality, and transparency, though it can be time-consuming and subject to manipulation or errors if not properly managed.

Etymology: from roll (a list) and call (to read aloud). See also attendance, quorum, parliamentary procedure.