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

The leader of Australia's third-largest political party, the Greens, has conceded his seat in Melbourne after a tight electoral vote count that lasted several days.

From BBC • May 8, 2025

Reagan beat Carter in an electoral vote landslide.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2025

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

From Salon • Oct. 22, 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

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