electoral vote

American  

[ih-lek-ter-uhl voht, ee-lek-tawr-uhl] / ɪˈlɛk tər əl ˈvoʊt, iˌlɛkˈtɔr əl /

noun

1. the vote cast in the Electoral College of the United States by the representatives of each state in a presidential election.

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Etymology

Origin of electoral vote

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Compare meaning

How does electoral-vote compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• popular vote vs. electoral vote

Example Sentences

After a quorum was finally established, Congress counted and certified the electoral vote on April 6, 1789.

From Salon • Oct. 22, 2024

CNN stated that participants "must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold" and receive at least 15% support in four separate recognised polls.

From BBC • May 15, 2024

Under that, some of Nebraska’s electoral votes get awarded to the statewide vote winner, while an electoral vote apiece goes to the winner of each congressional district.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2024

I settled into my seat in the press gallery above the speaker’s dais at about 12:45 p.m. and prepared to watch the joint session of Congress convene for the electoral vote count.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2024

Adams foresaw a very close electoral vote, perhaps even a tie with Jefferson, which would then throw the election into the House of Representatives.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis