Electorate
ɪˈlɛktərɪt
Definitions
The qualified body of voters; those eligible to vote in an election.
ɪˈlɛktərɪt
The body of people entitled to vote in an election.
The electorate is increasingly concerned about economic issues.
💡 Simply: Imagine a whole bunch of people who get to choose who runs the country, like in a school election but for grown-ups. That whole group of people is called the electorate. It's the group of people who can vote.
👶 For kids: The electorate is all the grown-ups who are allowed to vote for who they want to be in charge.
More Examples
The politician needed to win over a significant portion of the electorate to secure victory.
The changing demographics of the electorate are impacting election outcomes.
How It's Used
"The candidate is trying to appeal to the electorate."
"Sociologists study the demographics and voting behavior of the electorate."
From French *électorat*, from Latin *ēlector* ('chooser'), derived from *ēligere* ('to elect'). Initially referred to those who had the right to vote in the Holy Roman Empire.
The word *electorate* has been used since the 18th century and has been consistently linked to the right to vote and political processes.