Model UN can be overwhelming with its formal language, rules, and procedures — if you're unsure how the different types of voting work or how many votes a motion needs to pass, this guide has got you covered.
WHO CAN VOTE?
All committee members can vote on substantive matters and must vote on procedural matters. If members reply to roll call with ‘present and voting’, they must vote on substantive matters.
Observers cannot vote on substantive matters but must vote on procedural matters.
PROCEDURAL VS SUBSTANTIVE
In procedural votes, delegates must vote for or against. In substantive votes, delegates may vote between ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or ‘Abstain’, but members ‘present and voting’ cannot abstain.
Generally, procedural votes require a simple majority and substantive votes require a two-thirds majority. A simple majority is defined as more votes in favour than against. A tie is taken as a failure. A two-thirds majority requires at least twice as many votes for as against.
TYPES OF MOTIONS AND THEIR VOTING PROCEDURES
Setting the Agenda: This is a procedural vote requiring simple majority to pass.
NOTE: A delegate must motion to set the agenda to one of the options of topics that your committee could address (for example, “This delegate motions to set the agenda to Topic”). This may then be followed by speakers for and against the motion, and then ultimately a procedural vote to decide the topic.
Unmoderated/Moderated Caucus: These motions are procedural votes and require simple majority to pass.
Adjournment/Resumption/Closure of Debate: These are procedural votes but, unlike the others in this list so far, require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Suspension/Adjournment of Meeting: These are procedural votes requiring simple majority to pass.
Introducing a Friendly/Unfriendly Amendment: These are substantive votes (delegates may not abstain) requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.
We hope this has helped clear up any confusion about motions and voting procedure — let us know in the comments if you have any other questions!