What is a "faithless" elector?

A "faithless" elector is defined as an elector who votes against their party's choice in the Electoral College. In the U.S. presidential election system, electors are typically pledged to vote for the candidate of the political party that selected them. However, a faithless elector deviates from this pledge and chooses to cast their vote for a different candidate, regardless of the expected party loyalty. This can happen for various reasons, including personal beliefs or protest against the chosen candidate.

The phenomenon of faithless electors highlights the tension between the electoral system and the individual decision-making of electors. While most electors tend to honor their commitments, instances of faithless electors, although rare, can affect the outcome of the election under specific circumstances. Understanding this concept is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of the Electoral College and the potential consequences of individual electoral decisions.