The largely symbolic vote of 218 to 185 came at a meeting that was emotional and, at times, intense.

For now, the party seems willing to focus on symbolic votes against the buildup, leaving the money fight for later.

Indeed, for cash-rich Microsoft, even a $1 billion investment may be more important as a symbolic vote of confidence in the cable industry.

The symbolic vote came after a campaign that portrayed the Navy's 61-year presence as an environmental danger and a violation of residents' civil rights.

In largely symbolic votes, more than 230 communities nationwide have raised formal objections to the law.

He appeared to be seeking a symbolic vote of confidence among senior committee officials.

Thus, should the Senate should go ahead and approve the measure, it would amount to no more than a symbolic vote.

But these two - both casting symbolic votes against the mayor - were furious.

Yesterday, the teamsters union, which represents 12,000 city workers who have worked without a contract since July, took a largely symbolic vote to strike.

Today we are facing an unusually important, but also symbolic vote.