If a vote ends in a tie and a majority is required for passage, what is the result?

• A. The chair casts deciding vote to pass
• B. The motion passes by majority
• C. The motion fails because it lacks a majority vote
• D. The matter is referred to committee

Answer: (C)

When a majority is required, you need more votes in favor than against. A tie means there is no majority in either direction, so the motion does not pass. Abstentions don’t count toward determining the majority, so they don’t change the outcome. The chair’s ability to cast a deciding vote to pass would only come into play if the rules specifically allow it; without that provision, a tie results in defeat. Therefore, the motion fails.