Terms starting with "M"

Majority Vote A majority vote generally means more than half of the relevant votes, though legislative rules distinguish between votes cast, members present, and the full membership. The applicable threshold depends on the decision and the governing rules. Majority Whip A majority whip is a party leadership officer who helps count votes, communicate leadership positions, and encourage members of the majority party to support the party’s legislative priorities. The role and its influence differ between chambers. Magistrate Judge A magistrate judge is a federal judicial officer appointed by each district court to handle the preliminary and support work of the district: issuing search and arrest warrants, setting bail, holding pretrial conferences and discovery disputes, and recommending dispositions on motions. Under 28 U.S.C. § 636, magistrate judges may also conduct civil trials — but only with the written, informed consent of all parties, and their findings in consent cases are reviewed like a district judge decisions; in other matters their recommendations go to the district judge for decision. Mail Ballot Mail Ballot is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation. Mail-In Voting Mail-in voting is a way to cast a ballot by returning it through the mail or another authorized ballot-return method rather than voting in person at a polling place. States set their own rules for absentee ballots, including whether voters must provide a reason and how ballots must be returned. Majority Majority is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records. Majority Leader A majority leader is a senior party leader in a legislative chamber whose role includes advancing the majority party’s agenda and coordinating legislative strategy. The exact duties differ between the House and Senate and are shaped by chamber rules and political practice.