How many votes or what majority does a bill actually need to pass from the House of Representatives to the Senate?
Interesting question Liliana. A majority vote is needed for a bill – a proposed law – to pass both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Not all senators or members need to be present for the vote. The bill is passed if a majority – more than half of senators or members present in either the Senate or House – vote for it.
However, a bill to change the Constitution – the rulebook of our nation – can only be passed by an absolute majority. This means a majority of the whole number of Senators or members of the House.
The House of Representatives during a division.
DPS Auspic
The House of Representatives during a division.
DPS Auspic
Description
This image is of a large room with green furnishings. The seats are arranged around a large central table. There is a large chair at the open end of the U-shaped seats that is elevated above the other chairs. There are people milling around, especially at the end of the central table.
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.