Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Whitsunday
A simple majority is when more than half of a group votes in favor of something. For example, if there are 10 people voting and 6 vote yes, then the yes votes have a simple majority. This is different from a supermajority, which requires a larger proportion of votes to pass.
A simple majority is a number that is more than half of a total. It refers to a group of more than 50%. In parliamentary law, it means a majority of the members who vote, a quorum being present, disregarding absent members, members who are present but do not vote, blanks, and abstentions.
For example, if there are 100 people voting, a simple majority would be 51 votes. If a candidate receives 50.4% of the votes, they have barely achieved a simple majority.
A simple majority is often used in elections or decision-making processes where a clear winner or decision needs to be made. It is the most basic form of majority and is often contrasted with other types of majorities, such as a supermajority or veto-proof majority.