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

The contest will come down to seven or so highly competitive states and, maybe, the one electoral vote in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which is anchored in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 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

For several weeks it was not at all clear whether Jefferson would become the next abiding occupant, because the final tally of the electoral vote had produced a tie between him and Burr.

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