Ballot

/ˈbæl.ət/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A process of voting, in writing and typically in secret, especially in a political election.

The committee members cast their ballot to decide the next chairperson.

A piece of paper or card used to cast a vote.

Voters are asked to fill out their ballot and then place it in the box.

The total number of votes cast in an election.

The ballot showed a significant majority for the proposed measure.

verb

To vote, especially in a secret manner.

The residents will ballot on the new zoning regulations next week.

From Middle French 'ballotte', meaning a small ball used for voting.

ballot box

A sealed container in which votes are placed during an election.

on the ballot

A phrase indicating that a candidate or issue is officially included for voting.

cast a ballot

To submit a vote in an election.

voting

The action of making a choice in an election.

election

A formal decision-making process by which a population elects an individual to hold public office.

polling

The process of surveying or voting.

To ballot in a casual or informal way.

Let's ballot it out rather than discuss it endlessly.