1. Are there different types of majority votes?
Yes. Majority means “more than half,” but the threshold number from which a majority is calculated varies depending on the language in a group’s bylaws.
- Majority of the votes cast: more than half of the votes cast by members in good standing, present, and voting
- Majority of a quorum: more than half of the members needed for a quorum
- Majority of the membership: more than half of all of the members in good standing, regardless of whether all of the members are present or voting
- Majority of the members present: more than half of the members in good standing who are present, regardless of whether those members are voting
Whenever the term “majority” is used without qualification, it means “a majority of the votes cast” by default.
2. How should abstentions be counted?
An abstention occurs when a person is present at a meeting and does not cast a vote. An abstention is not counted as a vote cast.
3. How is a two-thirds majority vote calculated?
A two-thirds majority vote is calculated in three steps.
- Look at your governing documents to determine the baseline number from which votes will be calculated—typically one of the majority terms above.
- Multiply that baseline number by 2.
- Divide the result by 3.
The answer is the number of affirmative votes required for a motion to be adopted or for a person to be elected. Note that two-thirds is not always the same as 66.66%.
4. What happens if the result of a voice vote is close or unclear?
If a vote seems close, there are three options.
- The Chair can decide to retake the vote by a clearer method (e.g., raised hands or standing), including counting it if necessary.
- A member can say, “Division,” which requires the Chair to retake the vote by a clearer method (e.g., raised hands or standing).
- A member can make a motion that the vote be counted. The motion requires a second and a majority vote to pass.
5. Does a raised hand or standing vote always have to be counted?
There are three times when the exact number of votes must be counted.
- You must count votes if your bylaws require it.
- You must count votes if the members demand it by a majority vote.
- You must count votes if the Chair requests it to clarify the result of a voice vote.
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