casting vote

[ˈkɑːstɪŋ voʊt]
nounpl: casting votes
voto de desempate
1. The deciding vote cast by a chairperson or presiding officer when there is an equal number of votes for and against a proposal
The chairwoman used her casting vote to break the tie in the board meeting.
A presidente usou seu voto de desempate para quebrar o empate na reunião do conselho.
2. A vote that determines the outcome when votes are equally divided
The casting vote proved decisive in the committee's final decision.
O voto de desempate foi decisivo na decisão final do comitê.
This term is primarily used in formal governmental, parliamentary, and corporate contexts. In Brazil, it is commonly employed in legislative assemblies, corporate boards, and administrative councils. The concept reflects democratic principles where a neutral or senior figure breaks deadlocks to ensure decisions can proceed. In the UK and Commonwealth countries, this power is typically held by the Speaker or chair of an assembly.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
deciding votetiebreaker votetie-breaking vote

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
voto de desempate
Standard term used in legislative and corporate contexts
Portugal
voto de qualidade
Portuguese legal and parliamentary terminology differs slightly
São Paulo
voto de desempate
Standard Brazilian usage in corporate and governmental settings

Related Words

chairpersonpresiding officervotetieresolutionballot

Related Idioms & Phrases

use one's casting vote
exercise the casting vote
have the casting vote
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