a second ballot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second ballot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to voting, elections, or decision-making processes where a second round of voting is necessary. Example: "If no candidate receives a majority of votes, a second ballot will be held to determine the winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After a second ballot Tilden secured the nomination, and Hendricks was chosen as his running mate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's an age-old way of getting an unpopular budget passed on a second ballot.

The New York Times

They sent out a second ballot, which also gave owners the choice to have no name.

The New York Times

But you are also given a second ballot paper, where you pick your 'top-up' party.

Independent

"If there's a second ballot I won't vote for Donald Trump," Linton said.

The Guardian

Gordon Brown said Karzai's promise to hold a second ballot was "statesmanlike".

The Guardian

In a second ballot, 86 percent voted to authorize a strike.

The New York Times

Mr. Yassky pushed it to a second ballot, but Mr. Diamondstone won the runoff.

The New York Times

If everyone votes, John Boehner can only afford 17 defections by name before a second ballot.

The Guardian

And if no one gets to 1,237, then the process goes to a second ballot.

The Washington Post

But any win that came on a second ballot would involve the votes of superdelegates.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a second ballot" when referring to a repeated vote in an election or selection process, particularly when an initial vote did not yield a conclusive result. Ensure the context clearly indicates the need for and purpose of the repeat vote.

Common error

Avoid using "a second ballot" interchangeably with terms like "runoff election" or "recount". "A second ballot" generally refers to another round of voting, while a runoff is specifically between the top candidates, and a recount is a verification of the original votes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second ballot" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an additional round of voting, often necessary when the first round does not produce a clear winner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a second ballot" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to another round of voting, typically in elections or selection processes where the first round is inconclusive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news and media, encyclopedias, and other neutral contexts. When writing about this topic, ensure clarity in distinguishing it from related terms like "runoff election" or "recount". Alternatives include "second round of voting" or "subsequent vote".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Second round of voting

Directly indicates another iteration of the voting process, emphasizing the procedural aspect.

Additional ballot

Emphasizes the addition of another voting paper or opportunity to vote.

Further voting

Suggests an extension of the voting process beyond the initial instance.

Subsequent vote

Highlights the temporal sequence of the vote following an initial one.

Re-vote

A concise term for voting again, often implying a specific directive or requirement to do so.

Follow-up vote

Indicates a vote that is conducted as a direct consequence of a previous vote or event.

Runoff election

Specifically refers to an election held to decide between the top two candidates from a previous election where no candidate received a majority.

New ballot

Simply emphasizes the creation and distribution of a fresh ballot for voting.

Second election

Clearly states there is a second distinct election event occurring.

Repeat election

Signifies that the election is being held again, often due to irregularities or inconclusive results.

FAQs

How is "a second ballot" different from a runoff election?

While both involve additional voting, "a second ballot" is a general term for another round of voting, whereas a "runoff election" is specifically held between the top candidates from the first round when no candidate secured a majority.

When is "a second ballot" typically used?

"A second ballot" is used when no candidate or option receives the required majority of votes in the initial voting round, necessitating another round to determine the final outcome.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a second ballot"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "runoff vote", "subsequent ballot", or "repeat election".

Is it grammatically correct to say "the second ballot" instead of "a second ballot"?

Both "a second ballot" and "the second ballot" can be grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context. "A second ballot" is used when referring to an instance of a second ballot generally, while "the second ballot" refers to a specific second ballot within a defined series of ballots.