What type of vote is required for the passage of a main motion?

For the passage of a main motion, a simple majority is required. This means that more than half of the votes cast must be in favor of the motion for it to be approved. This standard is widely used in parliamentary procedure, including in organizations following Robert's Rules of Order, as it supports the democratic process within meetings by allowing decisions to be made based on the majority's preference.

A simple majority is appropriate for main motions because these motions introduce new ideas or actions that the group must consider. It strikes a balance between ensuring that a proposed action has enough support to be carried out while still respecting the right of minority opinions, as they have the chance to express their views during deliberations.

In contrast, options like a two-thirds majority or unanimous consent are used for more significant or sensitive matters that require a higher threshold of agreement, ensuring that any action taken has broader consensus. Plurality is typically relevant in situations with multiple candidates or choices, where the option with the most votes wins, regardless of whether it achieves a majority. Thus, a simple majority is the correct voting requirement for passage of a main motion.