What is a whip count?

A whip count is a tally of how many members of a legislative body, such as Congress, support or oppose a particular piece of legislation. It is typically conducted by party whips, who are responsible for ensuring party discipline and gauging member opinions. The results help party leaders strategize and decide whether to move forward with a vote or negotiate further. Whip counts are crucial for understanding the likelihood of a bill's passage and for coordinating party strategy.