Legal Definitions - 50 percent plus one

The term "50 percent plus one" refers to the minimum number of votes or members required to achieve a simple majority in a decision-making process. It means that more than half of the total votes cast or eligible members must be in favor of a proposal for it to pass. This threshold ensures that a decision is supported by a clear majority, preventing ties and requiring slightly more than half to carry a motion.

Here are some examples of how "50 percent plus one" applies:

• Corporate Board Meeting: Imagine a company's board of directors has 9 members. For any resolution to pass, it typically requires a simple majority. In this case, 50 percent of 9 is 4.5. Adding one to that gives 5.5, which means at least 5 directors must vote in favor for the resolution to be approved. If only 4 directors vote yes, the resolution fails because it did not reach the "50 percent plus one" threshold.

• Legislative Vote: Consider a city council with 7 elected members voting on a new budget proposal. To pass the budget, it needs the support of "50 percent plus one" of the council members. Half of 7 is 3.5. Therefore, 3.5 plus one equals 4.5, meaning at least 4 council members must vote in favor of the budget for it to be adopted. If only 3 members vote yes, the budget does not pass.

• Union Contract Ratification: A labor union is holding a vote among its 300 members to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. For the contract to be accepted, it needs "50 percent plus one" of the votes. Half of 300 is 150. Adding one, this means 151 members must vote in favor of the contract for it to be ratified. If only 150 members vote yes, the contract is rejected, as it did not meet the required majority.