Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

casting-vote

noun

/ˈkæstɪŋ voʊt/

Definition

A casting vote is a vote that is cast to break a tie in a decision-making process.

Examples

During the meeting, the chairperson used her casting vote to decide on the new policy.
In the event of a tie, the mayor is entitled to cast the casting vote.
The board’s decision came down to a tie, so the president had to exercise his casting vote.

Meaning

In situations where there is an equal number of votes for and against a proposal, the casting vote is used by a person in a position of authority to make a final decision.