A parliamentary division in which members vote according to their own beliefs rather than following a party policy.
〈主英〉自由投票（指议会议员按个人想法而不是按政党政策投票）
MPs were allowed a free vote on the issue
Example sentencesExamples
Having published his own version of events, Marsden has continued to speak to the media about the need for a free vote in parliament.
More free votes and giving members of Parliament a more important public role in government will help restore some confidence in the system.
The best way for proportional representation to work is with a congressional system in which all members have a free vote and there's a fixed election date - the way the city council operates.
He also said it was the right decision to give party members a free vote, because the issue was a deeply personal one.
A free vote on an elected second chamber will be allowed.
This incident demonstrates just where the Alliance stands on free votes in Parliament.
These are generally debates on subjects styled as ‘conscience issues’ on which members are allowed a free vote.
However, he has repeatedly said he would allow free votes on private members' bills on any issue.
If any member introduces a member's bill, then all the members of the Labour Party will certainly have a free vote on that issue.
Members of the two biggest parties were given a free vote on the issue at a Council meeting.
Further, all political parties should allow a free vote on the bill according to a legislator's conscience.
Mr Howard says free votes are rare and reserved for matters like euthanasia, abortion and capital punishment.
Not that many would admit it, but one intriguing lesson lies with the fact the Executive had no official policy on the issue and allowed members a free vote.
As I mentioned earlier in this debate, the New Zealand First caucus has allowed its members to have a free vote on this bill.
Apparently her party allows ‘a free vote on moral issues and issues of conscience’.
We are absolutely delighted that the Government has announced a free vote on smokefree legislation.
Harper will stick to his stance on keeping these out of party policy and leaving them to free votes in Parliament.
The issue is considered one of conscience at Westminster, where MPs of all parties are given a free vote.
The prime minister always encourages MPs to speak their minds, said adviser Scott Reid, which is why he promised to allow more free votes in Parliament.
Legislation will now depend on a free vote in parliament, but even then it is unlikely to pass, as it will meet opposition in the House of Lords and run out of parliamentary time.