What is Popular Vote?

Definition and meaning of popular vote: The popular vote is a system of voting that allows citizens to choose their representatives in a democracy, without the influence of a political party. It is based on the principle that the people are the ultimate deciders of who should represent them in government. Popular vote allows citizens to select independent candidates, and to vote for a third-party candidate without fear of wasting their vote. This type of voting allows for more diverse representation in government that is not subject to the influence of a two-party system. Examples of countries that use popular vote include Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Popular vote also encourages more transparent and accountable elections, as it is an easier system to track and verify.

The term "popular vote" can also refer to data tracked during elections in the United States. While the United States uses the First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system instead of the popular vote, many Americans also care about which candidate wins the popular vote. For example, in the 2016 general election, Donald Trump became president even though his main opponent Hillary Clinton won the popular vote.