What is the term for a vote against the adoption of a motion?

The term for a vote against the adoption of a motion is a negative vote. This terminology is utilized in parliamentary procedure to indicate that a member is opposing the motion being considered. When members cast their votes, those who are against a motion are counted as negative votes, while those in favor are counted as affirmative votes. This distinction is important in formal meetings where understanding the results of the vote can determine the direction of the discussion or action taken by the assembly.

In contrast, an affirmative vote signifies support for the motion, and a voice vote is a method of voting where members express their votes verbally, usually with "aye" or "no." Motion defeat, on the other hand, refers to the outcome that results from having more negative votes than affirmative votes, rather than being a specific term for the vote itself. Thus, the correct term to refer specifically to a vote cast against the motion is indeed a negative vote.