simple majority

noun
1.
less than half of the total votes cast but more than the minimum required to win, as when there are more than two candidates or choices.
2.
less than half the number of voters registered.
Examples from the web for simple majority
  • Unfortunately, the insane outnumber the sane here by a simple majority.
  • The government's legal experts maintain that a simple majority in parliament can change the law so he can keep both his jobs.
  • So he opted instead for a confidence vote that could be won with a simple majority.
  • Polls suggest the party would struggle to win a simple majority in parliamentary elections.
  • But it also needs a simple majority of the cantons in the legislature.
  • But it could change other policies with a simple majority.
  • Between interstate commerce, necessary and proper, and general welfare there really isn't much a simple majority could not whim.
  • Somehow a simple majority couldn't deter this senator from his nefarious purposes.
  • And the euro zone bloc by itself will wield a simple majority.
  • By-laws for a block club shall be adopted by a simple majority vote of those members present and voting at any regular meeting.
Contemporary definitions for simple majority
noun

a voting system whereby the highest number of votes for any one candidate or question designates the winner; one more than half of those voting on a question or candidate