How Many Votes Does It Take to Impeach?
The impeachment process in the United States follows a structured procedure defined by the US Constitution. It involves two key steps: impeachment in the House of Representatives and a trial in the Senate. Let’s explore how many votes are required in each stage.
Votes Required in the House of Representatives
To impeach a public official, including the President, the House of Representatives conducts a vote on articles of impeachment. A simple majority (more than 50% of the total members) is required to approve these articles. Since the House has 435 members, at least 218 votes are necessary to impeach.
Votes Required in the Senate
Once the House approves the articles of impeachment, the process moves to the Senate for a trial. Conviction and removal from office require a two-thirds majority vote. With 100 Senate members, this means at least 67 votes are needed to convict and remove the official from office.
Related Topics:
Understanding the Impeachment ProcessImpeachment in the US Constitution
Role of the Senate in Impeachment
