Apparently they are utilizing rules that its majority of those receiving votes, a la the verbiage of the Constitution in reference to Electors voting for President/VP. So yes, any vote not for a person (such as present or just not voting) would reduce the total votes by each non-vote, vote.
Frankly, I hate this shit. If there are 435 members, the majority required should always be 218, regardless of how many votes are actually cast. Hell, I contend that a Speaker approval should require a 2/3 majority. 51% isn't a consensus. All this status quo has produced is further entrenched establishment partisan line toeing. This is about as opposite of what the Founders intended for and desired.
Hell, I contend that a Speaker approval should require a 2/3 majority
Be careful there. The kind of wheeling and dealing you selling your soul that would be needed to do to get some of the Dems on board just to elect a speaker would destroy everything.
So they just need one more present for McCarthy to win?
Looks like they were short three votes. 218 to win.
Edit: a "present" vote reduces the amount needed by one, so yes.
But doesn't every present reduce that number by one ?
Apparently they are utilizing rules that its majority of those receiving votes, a la the verbiage of the Constitution in reference to Electors voting for President/VP. So yes, any vote not for a person (such as present or just not voting) would reduce the total votes by each non-vote, vote.
Frankly, I hate this shit. If there are 435 members, the majority required should always be 218, regardless of how many votes are actually cast. Hell, I contend that a Speaker approval should require a 2/3 majority. 51% isn't a consensus. All this status quo has produced is further entrenched establishment partisan line toeing. This is about as opposite of what the Founders intended for and desired.
Be careful there. The kind of wheeling and dealing you selling your soul that would be needed to do to get some of the Dems on board just to elect a speaker would destroy everything.
Ah I didn't know that. So that's why everyone cheered at Gaetz response.