Academy/Voting & Board Decisions
Majority explained
The most misapplied word in board meetings.
A majority means more than half of the votes actually cast, not half of everyone in the room. Abstentions are removed from the count entirely, they are not "no" votes. If five directors vote and one abstains, the motion needs more than half of the remaining four, so three yes votes, unless your bylaws set a different threshold.
More than half of what, exactly
Robert's Rules of Order defines a majority in the plainest possible terms: more than half. Not half of the board's seats, not half of everyone who could theoretically vote, but more than half of the votes actually cast on that specific motion.
That distinction matters most when someone abstains. Abstentions are pulled out of the count on both sides before the math happens, so a five-member board with one abstention only needs to clear more than half of the remaining four votes cast, which is three.
"The word 'majority' in this context means, simply, more than half."
Source: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, Frequently Asked Questions, Robert's Rules Association
Present and voting, or the entire board
Not every "majority" is counted against the same denominator. Some rules measure against the votes cast at the meeting. Others measure against the entire body, whether or not every member shows up or votes.
Which version applies to your board depends on your state's statute and your own governing documents, so check both before you assume. California is a verified example of how sharply the two versions can differ: when a declaration does not set its own amendment threshold, state law requires a majority of every member of the association, not just those who turn out to vote.
"an amendment may be approved by a majority of all members, pursuant to Section 4065."
Source: California Civil Code Section 4270, California Legislative Information
The abstention myth
Boards often treat abstaining as a quiet "no," a way to signal disapproval without a name attached to it. It is not. An abstention removes that director from the count entirely, neither a yes nor a no.
A director who actually wants to vote against a motion has to vote no. Abstaining just steps out of the math and leaves the remaining votes to decide it.
"The phrase 'abstention votes' is an oxymoron, an abstention being a refusal to vote."
Source: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, Frequently Asked Questions, Robert's Rules Association
Check yourself
Answer before you read the explanation, recalling it is what makes it stick.
A five-member board votes on a motion. Three vote yes, one votes no, one abstains. Under the plain majority rule, what happens to the motion?
The declaration is silent on the amendment threshold, and California's default statute applies. The association has 100 members, and 40 attend the meeting and vote. How many yes votes does the amendment need?
A director wants to formally oppose a motion without casting a recorded no vote, so they abstain instead. What effect does the abstention actually have on the count?
Sources
- Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, Frequently Asked Questions, Robert's Rules Association
- California Civil Code Section 4270, California Legislative Information
Voting & Board Decisions
Next, find out whether your own board counts a majority against those present or against the entire board.
Whether a majority is counted against those present and voting, or against the entire board or entire membership, varies by state statute and by your own governing documents. Read your bylaws' voting section before you count votes.