The position of prince-elector had existed earlier (for example, when two rival kings of Germany were elected in 1257: Richard of Cornwall and Alfonso of Castile), though it is difficult to determine exactly the earliest date of the office.
Kuurvürsti amet oli juba varem eksisteerinud (näiteks valiti aastal 1257 kaks rivaalitsevat Saksa kuningat: Richard Cornwallist ja Alfonso X), kuigi on raske määrata selle ameti täpset algust.