cumulative voting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “cumulative voting” mean?
A voting system where each voter has multiple votes that they can concentrate on one candidate or distribute among several candidates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A voting system where each voter has multiple votes that they can concentrate on one candidate or distribute among several candidates.
A method for electing members to a board or assembly that gives minority shareholders or groups a greater chance of representation by allowing concentration of voting power. It is also applied in some political elections and organizational governance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in technical contexts. In general discourse, it is slightly more common in American English due to its use in US corporate law and some local political elections.
Connotations
Neutral technical term, though it often connotes efforts to ensure minority representation or fairer outcomes.
Frequency
Rare in everyday language; frequency is similar in specialized legal/business texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cumulative voting” in a Sentence
[Institution] adopted cumulative voting.[Shareholders] exercised their rights under cumulative voting.The [charter/bylaws] provide for cumulative voting.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cumulative voting” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cumulative voting arrangement was detailed in the articles of association.
- They proposed a cumulative voting mechanism for the committee.
American English
- The company's cumulative voting provision is in its bylaws.
- A cumulative voting system was on the ballot for the school board.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Crucial in corporate governance discussions, especially regarding shareholder rights and board election fairness.
Academic
Studied in political science, economics, and law for its impact on representation and strategic voting.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in legal documents, corporate charters, and electoral system design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cumulative voting”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cumulative voting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cumulative voting”
- Using 'accumulative voting' (non-standard).
- Confusing it with 'ranked-choice voting' or 'proportional representation.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Cumulative voting allows multiple votes to be placed for one candidate. Ranked-choice voting involves ranking candidates in order of preference.
It is most common in corporate governance for electing boards of directors and in some local governmental elections in the United States.
It makes it more likely but does not guarantee it. Success depends on the minority group's coordination and the number of seats being elected.
The main alternative is 'straight voting' or 'plurality voting,' where shareholders may cast one vote per share for each director seat, making it harder for minorities to win.
A voting system where each voter has multiple votes that they can concentrate on one candidate or distribute among several candidates.
Cumulative voting is usually formal, technical in register.
Cumulative voting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv ˈvəʊtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkjuːmjəˌleɪt̬ɪv ˈvoʊt̬ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine saving (accumulating) all your tokens for a year to buy one big prize. Cumulative voting lets you ACCUMULATE all your votes for one candidate.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOTES ARE A RESOURCE THAT CAN BE SAVED OR POOLED.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of cumulative voting?