All the people in an area who are eligible to vote in an election.
All the people in a political jurisdiction who are entitled to vote in an election.
Example
In a presidential election, the electorate includes every eligible voter in the country, whether or not they actually cast a ballot.
Why this term matters
How it is used in election security
What is the electorate?
The electorate is the body of people in a political jurisdiction who are entitled to vote in an election. It can refer to eligible voters in an entire country, state, district, city, or other electoral area. The term describes the voting population, not the candidates, election officials, or people who are merely residents.
What is the difference between electorate and voters?
Electorate usually means everyone entitled to vote in a defined jurisdiction, while “voters” can mean either eligible voters generally or the people who actually cast ballots in a particular election. As a result, turnout is often calculated by comparing the number who voted with a larger eligible or registered electorate.
What determines who is part of an electorate?
Who belongs to an electorate is determined by the eligibility rules for the election and jurisdiction. Factors can include citizenship, age, residence, registration status, and other requirements set by law. Because rules vary, the electorate for a city election can differ from the electorate for a statewide or federal contest held in the same area.
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All the people in a political jurisdiction who are entitled to vote in an election.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Electorate. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 15, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/electorate
Sources
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High consensus
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Multi-source
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Multi-source
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