faithless elector

Definition

An Electoral College member who votes for someone other than their pledged candidate, exercising theoretical independence that everyone forgot existed. They're democracy's glitch, reminding us the Electoral College is weirder than anyone remembers between elections.

Example Usage

Three faithless electors voted for Colin Powell despite him not running, accomplishing nothing except proving they could.

Origin

From the concept of breaking faith with electoral commitments, as old as the Electoral College itself (1787)

Fun Fact

Some states fine faithless electors, but the fines are often less than the book deal they'll get for their principled stand that changed nothing.

Source: Electoral College terminology

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