I am frequently asked to explain the meaning of various votes. Here are the definitions:

Majority

More than half of the votes cast

Two-Thirds

Two times the number of yes votes as no votes (The easy way to figure out if a vote was two-thirds is to multiply the “no” votes by 2 and that is the number of “yes” votes that are needed for their to be a two-thirds vote.

Plurality

A method of voting in which the candidate or proposition receiving the largest number of votes is elected or selected.

Abstain

To refrain from voting. When counting votes, the abstentions and blank ballots are not counted.

Tie

Same number of votes on each side. Therefore, not a majority and does not pass

Two-Thirds Majority

A frequently used, yet incorrect term that combines two different kinds of votes (majority and two-thirds)

It is important to not only note the vote number needed, but to also determine what is the basis for determining that number. The default is “present and voting”, therefore, if it simply says a majority vote then it means a majority vote of the members present and voting.

Presiding officer votes :

You frequently hear the statement that the chair, or presiding officer, only votes to break a tie. That is not correct. When the chair is a voting member of the organization, she does not lose her right to vote, she simply only exercises the right to vote in specific instances.

In a ballot vote, the chair votes right along with all of the other members. In a roll call vote, the chair’s name is called last. In all other methods of voting other than a ballot vote, the chair only votes when his or her vote affects the results. Numerical examples would help here.

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