How Assembly Votes Work
Most votes in the Northern Ireland Assembly are decided by a simple majority — but not all. Because the Assembly is a power-sharing institution, certain decisions need support from both unionist and nationalist Members. This guide explains community designation, the two forms of cross-community voting, and the petition of concern.
Designation: unionist, nationalist or other
When MLAs sign the Assembly’s Roll of Membership they must designate themselves “unionist”, “nationalist” or “other”. Designation has no effect on day-to-day votes, but it determines how cross-community votes are counted, and it feeds into how the First Minister and deputy First Minister are nominated (see how the Executive is formed).
A recurring point of debate is that MLAs designated “other” count towards the overall total in a cross-community vote but not towards either community threshold — an aspect of the rules that parties across the spectrum have at various times proposed reforming.
Ordinary votes: simple majority
By default, the Assembly decides by simple majority of those voting. The Speaker first asks for a voice vote (“Ayes” and “Noes”). If the result is unclear or challenged, a division is held: MLAs vote by walking through Aye and No lobbies (or electronically), and every Member’s vote is recorded and published. The Speaker does not ordinarily vote and has no casting vote — tied questions are decided in the negative.
Cross-community votes: two tests
Some decisions require cross-community support, measured in one of two ways:
- Parallel consent — a majority of all MLAs voting, including a majority of the unionists voting and a majority of the nationalists voting.
- Weighted majority — at least 60% of MLAs voting, including at least 40% of the unionists voting and at least 40% of the nationalists voting.
Decisions that always require cross-community support include electing the Speaker, agreeing or changing Standing Orders, approving the Budget, electing the Justice Minister, and agreeing accelerated passage for a bill (see how a bill becomes law).
The petition of concern
A petition of concern converts an ordinary vote into a cross-community one. It was designed as a minority-protection mechanism: if a proposal is felt to threaten one community’s interests, that community’s MLAs can require it to attract cross-community support to pass.
Under the rules tightened by the New Decade, New Approach agreement (2020) and subsequent legislation, a petition needs 30 MLAs from at least two parties, and there is a 14-day consideration period before the vote. Historically the mechanism was used far more widely than its designers envisaged — including to block bills and motions across many policy areas — which is why its use is now more constrained. Whether it is used sparingly or often remains a live point of political debate.
Where to see how MLAs voted
Every division is recorded by name and published in the Official Report (Hansard) and the Assembly’s voting records. For legislation, you can follow what was voted on and when via our bill tracker and each bill’s page.
Sources: Northern Ireland Act 1998 (ss. 4, 42); Northern Ireland Assembly Standing Orders; New Decade, New Approach (2020). Last reviewed: July 2026.