vote bank

Definition

A loyal bloc of voters who consistently support a particular party or candidate based on shared identity, interests, or demographics, essentially treating democracy like a savings account. Politicians court these groups shamelessly, knowing the returns are predictable.

Example Usage

The party took its traditional vote bank for granted and was shocked when younger members defected to a progressive challenger.

Origin

Indian political terminology from the mid-20th century

Fun Fact

The concept is sometimes criticized as reducing complex political identities to transactional relationships, but parties keep doing it because it works

Source: Electoral politics and demographic analysis terminology, particularly Indian politics

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