ballot

/ˈbælət/

/ˈbælət/

Other forms: ballots; balloting; balloted

A ballot is a document that lists the choices during an election. When running for office, a candidate’s first goal is getting on the ballot.

This Italian-derived word has proven remarkably successful by adapting itself to evolving voting technologies. It has been applied to devices used for casting votes from ancient times to the present, whether consisting of pottery, paper or pixels. Any kind of device, whether on paper or a computer screen, can be called a ballot if it lists the candidates and allows you to vote.

Definitions of ballot

1. noun

   a document listing the alternatives that is used in voting
   types:

   absentee ballot

   (election) a ballot that is cast while absent (usually mailed in prior to election day)

   type of:

   document, papers, written document

   writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
2. noun

   a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
   synonyms: balloting, vote, voting

   types:

   block vote

   a vote proportional in magnitude to the number of people that a delegate represents

   secret ballot

   a vote in which each person's choice is secret but the totaled votes are public

   split ticket

   a ballot cast by a voter who votes for candidates from more than one party

   straight ticket

   a ballot cast by a voter who votes for all the candidates of one party

   multiple voting

   the act of voting in more than one place by the same person at the same election (illegal in U.S.)

   casting vote

   the deciding vote cast by the presiding officer to resolve a tie

   veto

   a vote that blocks a decision

   write-in

   a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate who is not listed on the ballot

   abstention

   the act of declining to vote for or against something

   pocket veto

   indirect veto of legislation by refusing to sign it

   type of:

   choice, option, pick, selection

   the act of choosing or selecting
3. verb

   vote by ballot
   “The voters were balloting in this state”

   type of:

   vote

   express one's preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution; cast a vote