A tie vote means __________.

• A. the motion is lost, assuming it required a majority vote
• B. the motion is carried
• C. the motion is postponed
• D. the motion is tabled

Answer: (A)

When a motion requires a majority to pass, you need more votes in favor than against. A tie means the number voting yes equals the number voting no, so there is no majority. Therefore the motion does not pass and is considered lost. Some rules allow the chair to break a tie, but in this case we’re assuming no tie-breaker is in effect, so a tie results in failure.

The other outcomes don’t fit because carrying the motion would require a clear majority in favor; postponing or tabling are actions that set the motion aside, not outcomes of a tied vote.