Running a vote comes with its own vocabulary. Here are the most common election and voting terms, explained in plain English — from quorum and plurality to ranked choice, STV, and supermajority.
A formal choice to take part in a vote without supporting or opposing any option. An abstention is recorded as participation — and can count toward quorum — but is not a vote for or against.
A method where each voter may select (“approve”) as many candidates as they like, and the candidate with the most approvals wins. It works well when more than one option can be acceptable.
See the voting methods we supportA complete, tamper-evident record of every action in an election — when ballots were cast, keys issued, and results tallied — so the outcome can be independently verified.
How ElectionChamp keeps elections auditableThe set of candidates, questions, or motions a voter is asked to decide. A single ballot can contain several questions, each using a different voting method.
A ranked method that assigns points by position — higher ranks earn more points — and the candidate with the most total points wins. It rewards broad consensus rather than first-choice support alone.
The governing rules of an organization. They usually define who may vote, how elections run, what counts as quorum, and the majority needed to pass a measure. Always check your bylaws before changing how you vote.
Running a bylaw amendment voteA method that gives each voter multiple votes to distribute among candidates — including casting several for one candidate — which can help minority groups win representation.
The minimum number of votes a candidate must reach to win a seat under Single Transferable Vote, derived from the number of votes cast and the number of seats available.
More than half of the votes cast (over 50%). A “simple majority” is the most common threshold for passing a motion or winning an election.
A formal proposal put to a vote — such as approving a budget or amending a rule — usually decided yes / no, and sometimes with an abstain option.
The process of proposing candidates for a position. Online ballots can allow write-in nominations so voters can add names that are not already listed.
Collecting nominations onlineThe candidate or option with the most votes wins, even if that total is less than a majority. It is the simplest and most widely used voting method.
An approach that allocates seats in proportion to each group’s share of the vote, so a minority that wins, say, 30% of the vote earns roughly 30% of the seats.
Authorizing another person to cast your vote on your behalf — common in HOAs and corporate governance. The rules for proxies are normally set by your bylaws.
When and how to use proxy votingThe minimum number of members who must take part for a vote to be valid. If quorum is not reached, decisions made may not be binding.
How to reach quorum fasterA method where voters rank candidates in order of preference. In its most common form, instant-runoff, if no candidate has a majority the lowest-ranking candidate is eliminated and those votes transfer to the next preference until one candidate wins.
Setting up ranked choice votingA formal vote to approve or confirm a decision that has already been negotiated or proposed — such as members ratifying a union contract or a board’s bylaw change.
Ratifying a contract by voteA vote cast so that no one can link a ballot back to the person who cast it, protecting voters from pressure or retaliation.
How ballots stay anonymous and secureA proportional, ranked method for filling multiple seats. Votes a candidate does not need to win (the surplus) and votes for eliminated candidates transfer to other preferences, reducing wasted votes.
A group of candidates running together for multiple positions, often presented — and sometimes voted on — as a single set.
A threshold higher than a simple majority — commonly two-thirds (66.7%) or three-quarters (75%) — often required for major decisions such as amending bylaws.
A person or system responsible for counting votes and certifying the result. Online platforms automate the teller’s role while preserving a full audit trail.
When two or more options receive the same number of votes. How a tie is resolved — a runoff, a draw, or a board decision — is normally specified by your bylaws.
The share of eligible voters who actually cast a ballot. Higher turnout gives results greater legitimacy, and online voting typically increases it.
Proven ways to boost turnoutThe official list of who is eligible to vote in a given election. Each eligible voter is usually issued a unique, single-use voter key.
A candidate who is not pre-listed on the ballot but is named by the voter, where write-ins are permitted.
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