quórum

Quorum is the minimum number of members of a deliberative assembly who must be present to legally conduct business and to vote. The concept ensures that decisions reflect a sufficient portion of the group rather than a small subset.

Quorum is usually defined in bylaws or governing statutes. It is often a majority of the entire membership, but some organizations specify a fixed number or a different fraction, such as one-third or two-thirds. The rules also specify who counts toward the quorum: members present in person, and sometimes those represented by proxy or participating by approved telecommunication. Some bodies exclude excused absences or certain categories of members.

If a quorum is not present, the meeting may be postponed, or the group may adjourn and set a new date. Some assemblies can still hold quorum calls to determine whether a quorum exists, or may conduct limited business or take nonbinding actions.

Once a quorum is present, the body can proceed with business according to its voting rules, which may require a simple majority, a supermajority, or another threshold. Quorum requirements are distinct from voting thresholds, and they can be changed only by the group's rules or applicable law.

Quorum concepts appear in corporate governance, legislative bodies, and other organizations. They help ensure legitimacy of decisions and prevent actions by too few members.