Definition

Verb: - To cast all of one's available votes for a single candidate or option in an election that allows cumulative voting, rather than distributing votes among multiple choices. This strategy aims to maximize the impact on electing a specific preferred candidate.

Usage

• This term is specifically used in the context of electoral systems that permit cumulative voting, where voters have multiple votes to allocate.
• It describes a deliberate tactical voting strategy.

Examples

• In the shareholder meeting, small investors decided to bullet vote all their shares for the candidate advocating for environmental reform.
• To ensure their preferred candidate won a seat on the council, the group organized to bullet vote instead of spreading their support.
• The bylaws allow cumulative voting, so we should bullet vote for the incumbent to consolidate our support.

Advanced Usage

• Strategic Bullet Voting: The practice is often a calculated move in corporate governance, political elections, or cooperative boards to influence the outcome by concentrating voting power.
  • The minority faction engaged in strategic bullet voting to secure at least one representative on the board.

Variants and Related Words

• Bullet Voting (n): The act or strategy of casting all votes for one option.
  • Bullet voting can be an effective tactic for a disciplined minority.

Synonyms

• Plump (verb, chiefly British): To vote for only one candidate when multiple votes are allowed.
• Cumulate votes (verb phrase): To combine votes, though this is more general and not exclusively for a single candidate.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is highly specific to political science and corporate governance. It is not used in standard plurality/majority "one person, one vote" elections.
• The "bullet" metaphor implies focusing all force (votes) on a single target.

Verb

1. vote cumulatively and distribute the votes according to some principle