split the vote

split the vote

To divide the majority of votes between two contestants or candidates, allowing a third to achieve an unlikely or unexpected victory. In an incredible upset victory, an independent candidate outside of the two major political parties has won the presidency of the United States. Many are speculating that her unlike victory came as the two leading candidates' respective scandals ended up splitting the vote. Because the two films so clearly deserve to be named Best Picture, some are worried that they may split the vote, allowing one of the other less-deserving films win the award.See also: split, vote

split the vote

(of a candidate or minority party) attract votes from another candidate or party with the result that both are defeated by a third. BritishSee also: split, vote