Voting Procedure
How voting works in MUN — placard votes, roll call votes, majorities, consensus, and what happens when a resolution passes or fails.
Voting Procedure in MUN
Once debate closes (or the GSL is exhausted), the committee enters voting procedure. This is a serious moment — the doors are closed, no one may enter or leave, and no new motions are entertained.
Placard Vote (Default)
The chair reads the resolution number. Delegates raise placards for 'in favor,' 'against,' or 'abstain.' Simple majority of those present and voting passes the resolution (abstentions don't count toward the total).
Roll Call Vote
If requested (and passed by simple majority before voting procedure), each country is called alphabetically. Options:
- Yes: Votes in favor
- No: Votes against
- Abstain: Does not count toward the total
- Yes with rights: Votes yes but wishes to explain why after the vote
- No with rights: Votes no but wishes to explain
- Pass: Defers vote until after all other countries have voted (must then vote yes or no — no abstention after passing)
Required Majorities
- Simple majority (>50% of those voting): Most General Assembly resolutions
- Two-thirds majority: 'Important questions' — peace and security, budget, new members. Also used in Security Council for procedural matters.
- Consensus: No formal vote; the chair asks if there are objections. Used in some specialized committees.
Security Council Veto
In SC simulations, the P5 (US, UK, France, Russia, China) hold veto power on substantive matters. A single P5 'no' vote kills a resolution, regardless of the overall count.
