The term 'VOTES OPPOSITE THE NAYS' is a phrase used in parliamentary procedure to refer to the affirmative votes, or 'yeas, ' that are cast in opposition to the negative votes, or 'NAYS.' In other words, it is the number of votes in favor of a motion. This phrase is often used in legislative bodies, such as the United States Congress, to indicate the number of votes in favor of a particular bill or resolution.