Outvoting

Outvoting refers to a situation in a group decision-making process where a faction or coalition of members possesses enough votes to ensure their preferred outcome is adopted, regardless of the preferences of the remaining members. This is a fundamental aspect of democratic and other voting systems where decisions are made based on the majority of votes cast. The concept is directly related to the principles of majority rule, where the will of the larger group prevails over that of a minority.

The power of outvoting is often determined by the voting threshold required for a decision, such as a simple majority (more than 50%) or a supermajority (a higher percentage like two-thirds). In systems with multiple voting blocs or parties, the ability to outvote depends on the relative size of these blocs and their capacity to form alliances. Strategic voting and coalition building are often employed by groups seeking to achieve or prevent being outvoted. The effectiveness of outvoting can be influenced by factors like voter turnout, the presence of abstentions, and the specific rules governing the voting process. It is a common mechanism in elections, legislative bodies, and organizational meetings.