swing votes
Election-deciding undecideds' choices
Swing votes are votes that could go to either side in an election or decision, cast by voters not committed to a particular party or position.
These votes often determine outcomes in close contests, making swing voters highly sought after by campaigns.
Both candidates focused on swing votes in battleground states.
The term applies equally to electoral politics and deliberative bodies like courts or legislatures.
Contest deciding drawn competitors
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
- game-changerSomething transforming everything
- decisiveQuick to conclude
- tipping pointThreshold triggering major change
clincher · make-or-break · bellwether · powerbroker · nail-biter · squeaker · razor-thin · too close to call
Showing unsteady resolve
- indecisionFailure to decide
- uncertainNot firmly known
- hesitantSlow to act
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
vacillating · fence-sitter · uncommitted · persuadable · on the fence · leaning · convertible · movable
Location of armed combat
- precinctAdministrative jurisdiction zone
- pollingSystematic opinion gathering
- electorateEligible voting body
- ballotVoting document
campaign · primary · constituency · referendum · midterm · electoral college · canvassing · demographics
Advocating to decision-makers
- advocacyPleading for a cause
- endorsementsFormal declarations of support
- super PACsUnlimited-donation political groups
- coalition buildingCreating partnerships among groups
negotiation · outreach · messaging · courting · targeting · microtargeting · pandering · wooing
Adjusting relative positions
- turnaroundShift in opposite direction
- defectionAbandoning one's loyalty
- crossoverGenre-blending work or transition
- flipQuick turning motion
tiebreaker
Contest deciding drawn competitors
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
- game-changerSomething transforming everything
- decisiveQuick to conclude
tipping point · clincher · make-or-break · bellwether · powerbroker · nail-biter · squeaker · razor-thin · too close to call · down to the wire
wavering
Showing unsteady resolve
- indecisionFailure to decide
- uncertainNot firmly known
- hesitantSlow to act
noncommittal · vacillating · fence-sitter · uncommitted · persuadable · on the fence · leaning · convertible · movable · up for grabs
battleground
Location of armed combat
- precinctAdministrative jurisdiction zone
- pollingSystematic opinion gathering
- electorateEligible voting body
ballot · campaign · primary · constituency · referendum · midterm · electoral college · canvassing · demographics · independents
lobbying
Advocating to decision-makers
- advocacyPleading for a cause
- endorsementsFormal declarations of support
- super PACsUnlimited-donation political groups
coalition building · negotiation · outreach · messaging · courting · targeting · microtargeting · pandering · wooing · door-knocking
realignment
Adjusting relative positions
- turnaroundShift in opposite direction
- defectionAbandoning one's loyalty
- crossoverGenre-blending work or transition
flip · ticket splitting · backlash · surge · momentum
- electionsballot, ballots, candidates, polls, election day
- votingballot, ballots, polls, candidates, aye
- election resultsvictory, defeat, winner, loser, win