A double majority is the name given to a vote which requires a majority of votes according to two separate criteria. The mechanism is usually used to require strong support for any measure considered to be of great importance.

Examples of double majority

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In the United States

Double majority is used in the United States for some votes on issues such as a tax levy or bond. This vote requires both a plurality of votes cast, and a majority of registered voters to cast votes in the election. This mechanism is used to prevent a small group from passing spending measures which affect the entire population in order to support their pet causes, especially at an election expected to have low voter turnout.

In Australia

In Australia, constitutional changes must be passed at a referendum in a majority of states (4 of the 6), and by a majority of voters nationally. Prior to 1977, the votes of citizens in the Northern Territory and the ACT did not affect the national or state-based count. After a Constitution Alteration put to referendum in 1977 and given executorive assent on 19 July 1977, Territorial votes contribute towards the national majority, but the Territories themselves do not count towards the majority of states.

In the European Union

In the European Union, double majority voting is a form of Qualified Majority Voting which is proposed in the Treaty establishing a constitution for Europe. According to this proposal, any decision taken under this scheme will require the support of at least 55% of the Council of the European Union members who must also represent at least 65% of the EU's citizens. The Treaty is expected to come into effect in 2009.

In Switzerland

In Switzerland, the passing of a constitutional amendment by initiative requires a double majority; not only must a majority of people vote for the amendment, but a majority of cantons must also give their consent. This is to prevent a larger canton from foisting amendments onto the smaller ones.

Montenegro

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The 2006 referendum to decide Montenegro independence was given a hurdle of 55% rather than 50%, so that a strong positive result had to be decisive rather than the barest majority.

See also

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References

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• Butterworths Concise Australian Legal Dictionary, 2nd edition (2002). ISBN 0-409-31568-0
• Europa Glossary

Legal terms | European Union law | Australian constitutional law | Taxation in the United States