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In many western democracies, particularly ones that use the Westminster system, the elected members of a legislative body are generally required to vote in single party blocs. That is, they must conform with the opinion of the entire political party. Those members who do not may face disciplinary measures, including expulsion or suspension from their respective parties. These conventions are disregarded during conscience votes, as there is no official party line to follow. In countries were party discipline is less severe, and voting against one's party is more common, conscience votes are generally less important.
Concience votes are usually quite rare, however, and are often about an issue which is very contentious. Usually, a conscience vote will be about moral or ethical issues rather than about administrative or financial ones - matters such as prohibition of alcohol, homosexual law reform, the legality of prostitution, and other such issues are often subject to conscience votes. In many cases, the matter is one in which the division of opinion does not occur along party lines, therefore making it difficult for the parties to formulate official policies.