the.com/swing vote
the electorate's undecided middle child, courted by everyone and loyal to no one.
means a vote or bloc of votes not firmly committed to either side, capable of deciding a close election either way.
from emerged in american political language mid-20th century as elections tightened and pollsters started obsessing over the sliver of voters who hadn't picked a team, unlike the party loyalists who show up rain or shine.
often geographicswing states get disproportionate campaign attention and cash.
not always centristcan be single-issue voters, not just moderates.
supreme court versionone justice's vote can swing entire rulings.