noun / verb
ballot
BAL-ut/ˈbælət/
A privately recorded vote in a collective choice.
She marks her ballot before placing it in the sealed box.
Etymology
The small ball was a counter used in secret voting. Its name later extended to voting papers and to the method of casting a vote.
In context
we have a secret ballot and so any rational or smart voter could take money from all of us in this room if we're all political candidates and then the day of the election vote their conscience.
More examples
- Three candidates appear on the ballot.
- The members balloted on the proposed rule change.
- Secret balloting allowed everyone to vote privately.
Forms
ballot · ballots · balloted · balloting