Faithless Elector

Definition

A faithless elector refers to a member of the Electoral College who does not vote for the candidate they pledged to support. This term describes an elector who deviates from their state's popular vote and casts their electoral vote for a different candidate.

Related terms

Electoral Vote: The electoral votes are the votes cast by members of the Electoral College, determining the outcome of presidential elections based on each state's popular vote.

Popular Vote: The popular vote refers to the total number of individual votes cast by citizens in an election.

Pledged Delegate: In political primaries or caucuses, pledged delegates are individuals chosen to support and vote for a specific candidate at their party's national convention.