If Rita received 8 votes, Sydni 6 votes, and Amy 6 votes, which term best describes Rita’s win?

If Rita received 8 votes, Sydni 6 votes, and Amy 6 votes, which term best describes Rita’s win?

• A. Majority
• B. Plurality
• C. Tie
• D. Unanimous

Answer: (B)

This question tests recognizing the difference between a majority and a plurality. To have a majority, a candidate needs more than half the votes. With 20 total votes (8 for Rita, 6 for Sydni, 6 for Amy), more than half would be over 10, which Rita does not have. A tie would require two candidates to share the top vote total, which isn’t the case here since Rita has the most votes. Unanimous means every voter chose the same person, which also isn’t true. Plurality means the candidate with the most votes wins, even if that total isn’t a majority. Rita has the highest number of votes, so her win is described as a plurality.

This question tests recognizing the difference between a majority and a plurality. To have a majority, a candidate needs more than half the votes. With 20 total votes (8 for Rita, 6 for Sydni, 6 for Amy), more than half would be over 10, which Rita does not have. A tie would require two candidates to share the top vote total, which isn’t the case here since Rita has the most votes. Unanimous means every voter chose the same person, which also isn’t true.

Plurality means the candidate with the most votes wins, even if that total isn’t a majority. Rita has the highest number of votes, so her win is described as a plurality.