whip notice

Definition

A communication from party whips to legislators indicating the importance of upcoming votes, often using underlining systems to show urgency. The political version of marking an email 'URGENT!!!!'

Example Usage

The three-line whip notice meant attendance was mandatory and voting against the party line would have serious consequences for the member's career.

Origin

British parliamentary tradition using one, two, or three underlines to indicate vote importance. 'Line whip' terminology from 19th century.

Fun Fact

In the UK, a three-line whip is so serious that defying it can result in expulsion from the party, making it democracy's version of a final warning.

Source: Parliamentary whip system terminology

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