Quorum and Voting

Who counts and how many do we need?

Quorum

Unless otherwise specified, a quorum is "a majority of the group" (more than 50 percent).

Ex officio members count toward the establishment of a quorum, unless they are ex officio of all groups or not otherwise part of the organization.

Example: A treasurer who is an ex officio member of a finance committee counts as part of a quorum. A president who is ex officio on all committees does not count in a quorum. If the synod bishop is an ex officio member of the congregation, the bishop does not count toward a quorum.

This is true both when the individual is present and when the individual is absent. The treasurer still counts toward the group total for a quorum even when absent. The president does not count toward the establishment of a quorum even when present.

Note: If there are additional questions about quorums, refer to the FAQ on the official Robert's Rules of Order site.

Details regarding a quorum can also be found in the Fourth Edition of Robert's Rule, available online (the Twelfth Edition is the current official edition).

Voting

Number of Votes to Pass

Majority: More than half (a tie is not a majority)
Two-Thirds: At least two thirds (other fractions follow the same pattern)
Plurality: Largest number of votes when there are three or more options (still requires majority vote unless otherwise specified)

Note: Majority votes requires more than half, whereas fractions are inclusive of the fraction. If there are 30 votes, 15 is not a majority, but 20 is two-thirds.

Example: The constitution may be amended by a majority vote. Such amendments must be ratified by a two-thirds vote.

Who Counts in the Vote

Not specified: Only votes cast by persons entitled to vote, excluding blanks, abstentions, or otherwise invalid votes
"Of the members present": Everyone present who is entitled to vote
"Of the entire membership: Everyone who is entitled to vote, whether or not they are present

Example: If there are 50 members, 30 are present, and 24 cast valid votes, a "majority vote" would require 13, a "majority vote of the members present" would require 16, and a "majority vote of the entire membership" would required 26.

These numbers only include those entitled to vote. Nonvoting members are not counted in any of the above numbers.

Phrases to Avoid

The following phrases should not be used, as they are either redundant or unclear.

Simple majority: Ambiguous
Two-thirds majority: Redundant, potentially ambiguous
Absolute, Super, or Qualified majority: Ambiguous
Present and voting: Redundant unless proxy or absentee voting is permitted
Of the legal votes cast: Redundant

Note: The Model Constitution includes the phrase "present and voting" in various places in case congregations otherwise decide to allow proxy or absentee voting.

Note: Additional details regarding voting can be found in the Fourth Edition of Robert's Rule, available online (the Twelfth Edition is the current official edition).