Vote cast

The French expression suffrage exprimé refers to a valid choice expressed for one of the options that count towards the decision. In a standard parliamentary vote, votes for and against are votes cast, while abstentions are reported separately. The applicable majority is often calculated from this total, unless a rule uses all members or another reference.

If 300 MPs vote for or against and 20 abstain, there are 300 votes cast.

Participation in a vote does not always mean casting a vote, because abstention is a separate position.

Counts towards the decision

Normally includes votes for and against

Excludes abstentions