The "Popular Vote" refers to the total number of votes cast by citizens in an election, reflecting the direct preferences of the electorate. In many democratic systems, this vote determines the outcome of elections for various offices, including President, Senators, and Representatives. Each citizen's vote carries equal weight, emphasizing the principle of one person, one vote. In the context of the United States, the popular vote is particularly significant during presidential elections. However, the Electoral College system ultimately decides the winner, which can lead to situations where a candidate wins the presidency without winning the popular vote. This distinction highlights the complexities of electoral processes.