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

All eyes turned on the landlord to see which way his casting vote would go.

From Project Gutenberg

Questions are determined by the majority present and voting, the chairman having the casting vote.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. O'Connell assumed the right to give two votes, one as member, which made the numbers equal, and a casting vote as chairman.

From Project Gutenberg

Carried in Congress only by the casting vote of the chairman.

From Project Gutenberg

Suppose we let the Doctor give the casting vote, as Miss Bruce suggested?

From Project Gutenberg