The Prince-elector s of the " Holy Roman Empire of German Nation", were the hghest college in the Imperial Diet , of originally seven (eight since 1648 , later more) Electors (often thus shortened; ''Kurfürsten'' in German), both lay princes and Prince-archbishops, who had the exclusive right to elect the king or future Holy Roman Emperor .
Generally, any Vote r can be called an elector; collectively such electors may comprise an Electorate . The term "voter" to represent the general voting public is commonly used in American English , whereas the term "elector" is commonly used in Australian English .
