casting vote

American  

noun

1. the deciding vote of the presiding officer of a deliberative body, made when the other votes are equally divided.

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casting vote British  

noun

1. the deciding vote used by the presiding officer of an assembly when votes cast on both sides are equal in number

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Etymology

Origin of casting vote

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Analysts therefore expect another tight 5-4 vote on this decision, with Governor Andrew Bailey having the casting vote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

It was knife edge decision, with Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey using his casting vote to pause the relentless series of rate rises we have seen in just under two years.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2023

The NPS, which approved the merger, held a larger stake in Samsung C&T and was viewed as a casting vote.

From Reuters • Jun. 20, 2023

With her casting vote, Ms. Weldon first chose Mr. Rushdie’s book, then had second thoughts.

From New York Times • Jan. 4, 2023

In May 1664, Hooke was a candidate for the post of professor of geometry at Gresham College, but lost out on the casting vote of the Lord Mayor.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin