casting vote

noun

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

casting vote

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of casting vote¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Voters there will also be casting votes for the state’s eleven members of congress and one of its two senators.

From BBC

They won’t have the casting vote through; this will be a piece of nationally designated infrastructure.

From BBC

“Instead, celebrate by casting votes for leaders who will protect democracy — not who want to kill it.”

From Seattle Times

Her support would be enough for him to carry on thanks to the casting vote of the presiding officer which, by convention, would be for the status quo.

From BBC

Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Communist Party of India, have demanded a return to paper ballots for casting votes.

From Seattle Times