Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

Simple Majority vs. Supermajority: How Ballot Measure Thresholds Compare

Ballot measures do not share one national pass threshold. The required vote share and any additional conditions depend on the jurisdiction and type of measure.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A simple majority usually means more than half of the votes counted on a ballot measure; a supermajority requires a larger share, such as 55%, 60% or two-thirds. There is no single U.S.-wide pass threshold: the rule depends on the jurisdiction and the kind of measure, and a separate turnout or repeat-election condition can also apply.

What is the difference between a simple majority and a supermajority?

A simple majority is generally more than half of the votes cast on the measure. A supermajority is a higher legally specified percentage. For statewide citizen initiatives, a majority is the common baseline, but some jurisdictions set a higher bar for particular measures or subjects. The controlling rule is the one in the applicable constitution, statute or local law—not a general national standard. NCSL’s overview of ballot-measure thresholds describes this variation.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How many votes does a ballot measure need to pass?

First identify the measure and jurisdiction, then check the threshold and what votes form its denominator. A requirement described as 60% is incomplete unless it is clear whether that means 60% of votes cast on the measure or another defined group. Florida’s constitutional rule, for example, specifies at least 60% of electors voting on an initiated constitutional amendment or revision, unless otherwise provided. Florida Senate: Constitution.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Measure type: A statutory initiative, constitutional amendment, local tax question and other ballot propositions may face different rules.
  • Vote denominator: Check whether the rule counts votes on that question or uses a broader group of voters or ballots.
  • Other adoption conditions: Look for turnout floors, approval at more than one election, or local validation requirements.
  • Legal status: Distinguish a rule currently in force from a proposal that voters have not yet approved or that has not yet taken effect.

How thresholds compare in selected jurisdictions

Jurisdiction Measure Threshold or condition
California Statewide ballot measure Majority vote, according to the California Secretary of State. Source
Colorado Statutory initiative 50%, as summarized by NCSL. Source
Colorado Constitutional amendment 55%, with an exception for a measure that repeals rather than changes part of the constitution; the Colorado General Assembly describes that exception as requiring a simple majority. Check the exact measure and current constitutional text before applying it. Colorado General Assembly
Florida Initiated constitutional amendment or revision At least 60% of electors voting on the measure, unless otherwise provided. Florida Senate: Constitution
Nevada Constitutional amendment A simple majority in two consecutive elections before it becomes law, according to NCSL. Source
Snohomish County, Washington Applicable local measures described in county guidance A local validation rule ties yes-vote totals to turnout in the prior November general election; percentage support alone may not be enough. This county example does not establish the rule for statewide Washington measures or other localities. Snohomish County guidance

Can a ballot measure get a majority and still fail?

Yes. Nevada’s two-election requirement means a constitutional amendment must win a simple majority in two consecutive elections before becoming law. A participation or validation condition can also prevent adoption even when the measure receives majority support among votes cast on it. NCSL describes state participation thresholds, while Snohomish County’s guidance illustrates a separate local validation rule linked to prior-election turnout. These rules are distinct from a supermajority: one raises the required support share; another adds a condition beyond that share. NCSL · Snohomish County

#1 Best Overall
VOISEN Acrylic Donation Box with Lock, Black Tip Jar with Sign Holder
  • 【Package Include】You will receive 1 pack acrylic donation boxes with 1 pack Detachable Sign Holder, suggestion box measure 6.2x4.6x3.9inch, The removable sign holder on the top of the ballot box has dimensions of 6.2x4inch,enough to meet your daily needs.Tips: To prevent the key from scratching the surface of the plastic lottery box, we put the key inside the box. When you receive the product, open the box first to get the key.
  • 【High-Quality Material】This acrylic raffle box is made of high-quality acrylic material for excellent quality and performance. It has excellent impact resistance and durability, able to withstand frequent use and movement without damage. Acrylic material is lightweight, making the draw box easy to carry and place.
  • 【Secure Locking Mechanism】Equipped with a secure locking mechanism, and is equipped with two keys,the donation box ensures its security, preventing unauthorized access and tampering.
  • 【Customized Message Sign Holder】The suggestion box has a folded 4"W x 6.2"H display area that can be used as a sign stand, and we provide a large Enter to Win card that is easy to remove, making it easy for you to stay on top of the themed event.
  • 【Multiple Functions】This donation box is perfect as a ballot box, fundraising box, whether voting for class president, raffle tickets, collecting opinions from employees or customers, this acrylic donation box and ballot box can be used for many purposes at home, office or school.

What is North Dakota’s 2026 threshold proposal?

North Dakota’s Secretary of State lists a 2026 ballot proposal that would change the approval threshold for constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. The listing describes a proposed change, not a threshold that is already effective. To determine the rule for a particular election, check the ballot outcome and any effective-date provision in the official materials. North Dakota Secretary of State: 2026 ballot measures

Best Value
Suggestion Box with Slot and Lock, Wall Mounted Metal Voting Box, Donation Box, Cash Box with 4 Keys
  • Secure Lock & Wide Slot: Comes with 4 keys to keep suggestions, ballots, and donations safe. Wide top slot fits papers, envelopes, and cards. Made of heavy-duty metal steel for long-lasting durability
  • Versatile Use: Works as suggestion box, voting box, donation box, cash box, comment box, ballot box, tip box, or complaint box. Ideal for collecting feedback, ballots, donations, comments, and payments in churches, offices, schools, retail stores, restaurants, and farm stands
  • 2-in-1 Mounting: Wall mount with pre-drilled holes and screws, or place on tabletop/counter. Flexible for indoor or outdoor use
  • Front Storage Compartment: The front side features a dedicated space for pens, suggestion cards, and ballots, keeping everything handy for on-the-spot feedback or donations
  • Professional Design: Sleek, professional look fits offices, businesses, and public settings. Great for retail stores, restaurants, hotels, schools, and farm stands
Rank #4
VOISEN Clear Donation Box with Lock,Ballot Box with Sign Holder,Suggestion Boxes for Fundraising, Tip Jar with Slot for School,Conference 6.2x4.6x3.9 Inch
  • 【Package Include】You will receive 1 pack acrylic donation boxes with 1 pack Detachable Sign Holder, suggestion box measure 6.2x4.6x3.9inch, The removable sign holder on the top of the ballot box has dimensions of 6.2x3.2inch,enough to meet your daily needs.Tips: To prevent the key from scratching the surface of the plastic lottery box, we put the key inside the box. When you receive the product, open the box first to get the key.
  • 【High-Quality Material】This acrylic raffle box is made of high-quality clear acrylic material for excellent quality and performance. It has excellent impact resistance and durability, able to withstand frequent use and movement without damage. Acrylic material is lightweight, making the draw box easy to carry and place.
  • 【Secure Locking Mechanism】Equipped with a secure locking mechanism, and is equipped with two keys,the donation box ensures its security, preventing unauthorized access and tampering.
  • 【Customized Message Sign Holder】The suggestion box has a folded 4"W x 6.2"H display area that can be used as a sign stand, and we provide a large Enter to Win card that is easy to remove, making it easy for you to stay on top of the themed event.
  • 【Multiple Functions】This donation box is perfect as a ballot box, fundraising box, whether voting for class president, raffle tickets, collecting opinions from employees or customers, this acrylic donation box and ballot box can be used for many purposes at home, office or school.
Rank #3
Hooqict Navy Blue Card Box with Slot 9.1" Wedding Favor Gift Card Box for Party, Reception, Graduation, Birthday, Wedding, Bridal or Baby Shower, Raffle Ticket Money Envelope Holder
  • Large Size: Gift card box holder measures 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches/23 x 23 x 23 cm, large enough to hold a variety of greeting cards, gift cards, envelopes, cash, wish notes and more
  • Reliable Quality: Party card box is made of thick cardboard, strong and sturdy, so you don't have to worry about the box tearing or breaking easily, and the bottom is reinforced enough to protect your party favors
  • Wide Application: Gift card receiving box with elegant style, you can DIY it according to your own ideas, suitable for wedding, birthday, graduation, anniversary, retirement, bridal or baby shower and so on
  • Easy to Assemble: In order to maintain the product during transportation, the party cardboard box is pre-folded, you just need to fold along the creases to complete the assembly easily
  • Service: We have strict product quality control to ensure good condition, in order to avoid damage caused by transportation, we use protective packaging, your satisfaction is our desire
Rank #2
Lineshading 1 Pcs Acrylic Ballot Donation Box with Lock, 12x12x12 in Clear
  • Quality Acrylic Material: this ballot box is constructed with sturdy acrylic material with strength and toughness and its robust and firm structure can withstand a certain amount of pressure and impact; It is surrounded by aluminum alloy reinforcements which make it not easy to deform or break; The quality of the material and design promise longevity, meeting your long term needs
  • High Visibility Clear Design: the donation box with lock is designed in a clear color; The transparent design allows everyone to see the contents inside the box; This design enables voters to check their voting status, but also facilitates supervisors to supervise the entire voting process, ensuring the fairness, openness, and transparency of the event; Please tear off the protective film of the surface of the product before using it
  • Secure and Convenient: our suggestion box with lock is equipped with 1 lock and 2 keys, ensuring your monetary collections are private, safe, and secure; Its detachable design ensures easy installation, making it convenient, and allows for space saving storage when not in use
  • Large Capacity: this raffle box is reasonably designed with an overall size of about 12 x 12 x 12 inches, providing a large capacity to accommodate items like a large number of ballots and voting materials; It is properly suited for large elections, meetings, or other significant events that a large number of votes are cast; It will meet your needs and ensure the smooth conduct of the voting process
  • Meets Most of Your Needs: the voting box's wide usage is more than donations; It can be applied for voting at meetings or local elections, or in a business environment where customers or staff provide advice, etc., and ideal for donations, suggestions, ticketing, voting, complaints, fundraising, or donations for church events in places like offices, shops, etc.; You can also use it to store change, receipts, and business cards
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to check the rule for a specific ballot measure

  1. Find the official measure text and jurisdiction. Confirm whether it is a state or local question and whether it is an initiative, constitutional amendment or another type of measure.
  2. Read the controlling threshold. Use the relevant constitution, statute or election authority guidance, rather than assuming a majority rule applies.
  3. Identify the denominator. Determine exactly which voters or votes count toward the stated percentage.
  4. Check for additional conditions. Look for turnout requirements, repeat-election rules, validation formulas or other adoption tests.
  5. Confirm the rule’s status and timing. Verify whether a change is in force or only proposed, and whether an effective date applies.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.