Okuzeka
Politics & Government vocabulary · Elections and Voting

Ballot

Meaning in politics & government, with examples

/ˈbælət/nounCore term

In politics & government, ballot means: A paper or electronic form on which a voter marks their choice; also the system or act of voting secretly in this way.

In Turkish: oy pusulası, gizli oylama

How it is used

Voters cast or mark a ballot and put it in the ballot box. A secret ballot means no one can see how a person voted. In American English, a candidate or question that voters decide on is said to be on the ballot. British English also uses ballot paper.

Example sentences

  1. Each voter receives one ballot and marks it in a private booth.

  2. The ballots were counted in front of observers from every party.

Common collocations

  • secret ballot
  • ballot box
  • cast a ballot
  • ballot paper
  • on the ballot
  • voteA formal choice that a person makes in an election or meeting, for example by marking a ballot or raising a hand; also the act of deciding something in this way.
  • polling stationThe building or room, often a school or community hall, where people go to vote on election day.
  • electionAn organized process in which people vote to choose a person or group for an official position, such as members of parliament, a president or a mayor.
  • turnoutThe number or percentage of eligible people who actually vote in an election or referendum.

More terms: Elections and Voting

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