Definition

Noun: A voting system in which a delegate casts a single vote on behalf of a group, with the weight or power of that vote being proportional to the number of members in the group they represent. The vote is not split but is cast as one unified "block."

Usage

The term is used primarily in formal organizational, union, or political contexts to describe a method of collective decision-making where representation is based on the size of a constituency.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The union's decision was made using a block vote, giving larger chapters more influence.
  • At the conference, each delegate submitted a block vote representing their entire regional membership.

Advanced Usage

• "to cast a block vote": To formally submit a single, weighted vote representing a group.
  • The head delegate will cast our block vote at the national committee meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Weighted vote (n): A similar system where votes have different values or weights, often based on criteria like share ownership or population.
• Bloc voting (n): A related concept where a cohesive group votes the same way, but not necessarily as a single, formally weighted unit.

Synonyms

• Aggregate vote
• Weighted ballot

Related Phrases

• Voting bloc: A group of people who vote the same way, often due to shared interests. (Note: This is related but distinct, as it refers to the group itself, not the formal voting mechanism.)
• Proxy vote: A vote cast by one person on behalf of another, which may be a component of a block vote system.

Noun

1. a vote proportional in magnitude to the number of people that a delegate represents