I used to blame myself for never being able to remember how many votes it takes to override a veto in the House.
Then, last week I walked in to the House clerk's office to double-check and there was former Rep. George Schiavone, who is counting votes for the same-sex marriage opponents, asking the same question. While we talked it over, Assistant Majority Leader Lucy Leriche, D-Hardwick, stopped to listen in.
I'm not the only one who can't remember.
You see, it takes two-thirds to override, but that's two-thirds of those present. Throw in one case of the flu, a dental appointment and a nervous legislator taking a walk and you're talking real math that's needs doing.
Today, I asked House Clerk Don Milne if he has a cheat sheet that outlines how many votes are needed based on various numbers in attendance. He does, and yes, he was willing to share.
So now you can all play along at home:
150 present=100 votes needed to override
149=100
148=99
147=98
146=98
145=97
144=96
143=96
142=95
141=94
140=94
139=93
138=92
137=92
136=91
135=90
If there are fewer than 135, then something else is afoot.
- Terri Hallenbeck
