ballot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ballot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a process of voting or a document used to cast a vote in an election. Example: "Please make sure to fill out your ballot carefully and submit it before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking after the ballot on Wednesday night, a composed Gillard said she was proud of her achievements in what "has not been an easy environment to work in" because of the minority parliament, the internal Labor divisions and the Coalition's fierce anti-carbon tax campaign.

The Guardian

Besides, the groups argued, "We lost the right to marry in California at the ballot box.

The Economist

The Kennedy aura remains a factor in US politics, even when there is no Kennedy on the ballot paper.

The Guardian

Noel Kututwa, Amnesty's deputy director for Africa, said: "It appears the Zanu-PF supporters wanted to ensure that these women did not vote for the other parties and tried to compromise the secrecy of the ballot.

The Guardian

"Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?" As things stand, this is the question that is to appear on the ballot papers of those eligible to vote in the in/out referendum to be held before the end of 2017.

The Guardian

This was a transition of power not by the ballot box.

The Guardian

Their awkwardness at black people protesting the death of Eric Garner at the hands of the police, meanwhile, is clear evidence of the racism that keeps pictures like Selma off ballot sheets.

The Guardian - Film

Mr Trimble defeated South Belfast MP the Rev Martin Smyth by 457 to 348 votes, 56% to 43%, in a crunch secret ballot of the party's ruling council in the King's Hall, Belfast.

The Guardian

That all changed on election day 2012 when four states chose the more gay-friendly position on same-sex marriage ballot measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If the question on the ballot paper next Thursday is whether we can turn Britain from a country run for a few at the top to a country run for working people once again, Ukip is not the answer," he said.

The Guardian

"No matter who's on or off the ballot, Greg Orman is running as an independent against the broken system in Washington that has failed Kansas and failed America," his campaign manager, Jim Jonas, said in a statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about elections, use "ballot" to refer specifically to the paper or method used for voting, distinguishing it from the broader concept of "voting" or "election".

Common error

Avoid using "ballot" when you mean the general act of voting. "Ballot" refers to the physical or digital form used to cast a vote, not the vote itself. For example, say "cast your vote" rather than "cast your ballot" if you're referring to the act, not the paper.

Linguistic Context

The word "ballot" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a method of voting, typically a paper or electronic form used to cast a vote. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is indeed correct and usable in the written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ballot" is widely used and generally accepted as grammatically correct to describe the process of voting, or the piece of paper/card used for voting. Ludwig AI confirms this with its high quality example sentences. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using the word, it's important to specify whether you are referring to the voting process or the actual "ballot paper" itself to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "vote", "election" and "poll" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vote

A more general term for expressing choice or opinion, can refer to the act of voting or the result.

election

Refers to the entire process of selecting a candidate or making a decision.

referendum

A specific type of vote on a particular proposal or issue.

poll

A survey or gathering of opinions, often used to predict election results.

voting process

Describes the system and procedures involved in casting votes.

casting a vote

The act of formally registering a choice in an election.

election process

Broader term that includes nominations, campaigns and vote counting.

secret vote

Emphasizes the confidentiality of the voting act.

plebiscite

A vote giving the people of a country or region the opportunity to express their opinion for or against a proposal relating to a constitutional issue.

balloting

The action or process of voting.

FAQs

How is the word "ballot" typically used in a sentence?

The word "ballot" is used to refer to the actual paper or electronic form on which a vote is cast. For example, "The question on the "ballot paper" asked voters to affirm their choice." or "Activists stole or set fire to dozens of "ballot boxes"."

What are some alternatives to the word "ballot"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "vote", "election", "referendum" or "poll".

Is it correct to say "ballot box" or "voting box"?

While both terms are understandable, "ballot box" is the more commonly used and recognized term for the container where completed ballots are deposited.

What is the difference between a "ballot" and a "referendum"?

A "ballot" is the method of voting, such as a paper or electronic form. A "referendum" is a specific type of vote in which citizens are asked to decide directly on a particular question or issue. So, a referendum uses a "ballot paper" to record votes.