What is a Supermajority Vote? (Overview, Rules, and Guidelines)

  • By: Adam Wire
  • January 30, 2025
Supermajority vote
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Since a unanimous vote is uncommon, board members must be informed of different voting types to contribute to the decision-making process effectively. These voting structures dictate the level of agreement necessary to pass resolutions, motions, or elect leaders. Being well-versed in these rules enables board members to make strategic choices and uphold the integrity of the board’s actions.

What is a Supermajority Vote?

A supermajority vote is a unique voting requirement in which a proposal or motion must receive more than a simple majority (50% + 1) of votes to pass. The percentage required for a supermajority vote can vary, but common thresholds include a three-fifths majority (60%), two-thirds majority (66.67%), or three-fourths majority (75%). 

A supermajority vote is typically used for significant matters, such as amending bylaws, and aims to solidify that these decisions have strong support from the board.

Board Management Software

The comprehensive blueprint for selecting a results-driven board management vendor.

How to Calculate a Supermajority Vote

The process of calculating a supermajority is a little more complicated than calculating a plurality vote, which is when the option with the most votes wins, regardless of percentage. Follow these steps to determine the necessary number of votes for a supermajority:

  1. Determine the total number of votes: Count all eligible votes.
  2. Multiply the total votes by the required percentage: Supermajority percentages are typically 66%, 67%, or 75%, depending on the bylaws.
  3. Round fractions up: If the result is not a whole number, round up to the nearest whole number to ensure the required majority is met.


This process ensures clarity and compliance with governance rules.

Supermajority Vote: Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros and cons of a supermajority vote include the following:

Advantages

  • Ensures that decisions have widespread support across the legislative body. This also fosters a broader consensus and enhances the legitimacy of the outcome. By clearly reflecting the collective will of the group, board members display their commitment to remaining transparent and accountable.
  • Particularly useful in organizational settings to ensure lasting policy decisions. The broader agreement reduces the likelihood of sudden reversals or changes due to shifting tides. If tides do shift, it may create complications and a call for a vote of no confidence, which can create division, disrupt governance, and lead to instability within an organization.
  • Prevents rash decision-making. Supermajority votes require careful deliberation, where only well-supported and thoroughly considered measures are passed. 

Disadvantages

  • Achieving a supermajority can be difficult in highly polarized groups. Deep decisions may prevent reaching a broad consensus, leading to gridlock.
  • A small group can block actions even if a significant majority supports them. For example, in a scenario where a two-thirds majority vote is required, if 40% of legislators vote against the proposal, they can block it even if the majority voted in favor of it.

Voting Made Easy with OnBoard

The unanimous vote is in — choosing OnBoard for your organization’s meeting needs will save you time and reduce administrative burdens by offering an abundance of helpful features right at your fingertips. OnBoard provides Voting and Approvals tools that allow boards to swiftly conduct votes to reach decisions faster, with results tallied in real time.  

OnBoard’s software is supported by a team of professionals who offer expert guidance, ensuring seamless integration and ongoing assistance for all your board meeting needs. Whether you serve a financial institution, government, or nonprofit, OnBoard streamlines governance with a secure board portal that features user-friendly design, intuitive meeting creation tools, insightful analytics, robust support, and real-time collaboration.

Get started with our free board meeting agenda template.

Board Meeting

Ensure effective, efficient meetings with our comprehensive Board Meeting Agenda Template.

Request a free trial today to see how OnBoard streamlines nonprofit board management.

About The Author

Adam Wire
Adam Wire
Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.