indicative ballots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicative ballots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to voting or decision-making processes where ballots indicate preferences or choices without being binding. Example: "The organization will distribute indicative ballots to gauge member opinions before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Delegates also agreed to back indicative ballots in neighbouring schools.

The Guardian

He said the call for indicative ballots in schools facing conversion, or in those already converted "where pay and conditions are worse", which White warned was an increasing threat, would strengthen the hand of the union where membership was strong.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was later announced that in an indicative ballot of members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) union, 86% voted to reject the offer, while 13% voted to accept it.

The Guardian

The indicative ballot was organized by the NUJ, as were the hustings with four candidates, held in February at the Guardian and Observer headquarters in King's Cross and attended by around 500 people.

The Guardian

Corporate governance is one issue that has concerned us for a while, and the indicative ballot for the journalists' representative on the Scott Trust has shown that a large majority of the chapel believes the time has come for greater transparency and more accountability at the very top of the organisation.

The Guardian

A Guardian journalist for over 13 years and currently its financial editor, Pratley's appointment as journalists' representative was agreed by The Scott Trust board following his selection as the NUJ's preferred candidate in an indicative ballot of Guardian and Observer NUJ members.

The Guardian

Staff of the Guardian and Observer have voted in favour of Katharine Viner, the current editor-in-chief of Guardian US, in an indicative ballot on who should be the next editor-in-chief when Alan Rusbridger steps down after 20 years this summer.

The Guardian

Liz Forgan, the chair of the Scott Trust, which is the ultimate owner of the titles, has outlined the procedure for choosing the successor to Alan Rusbridger – including an indicative ballot which would guarantee the winner a place on the shortlist for the job.

The Guardian

But the Guardian says it is not clear exactly what this means, and clearly many feel an "indicative ballot" could be called if the party replicates its general election success in the 2016 Scottish parliament elections.

BBC

He asked: "Why not give members the chance to take part in indicative online ballots on policy in between annual conferences - and give our grassroots members and supporters a real say?" Last night Corbyn aides said he was floating the idea of ballots and there was not yet a mechanism that  allowed them.

Independent

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) has sent an indicative strike ballot to its 4,000 members at 93 sixth-form colleges in England and Wales which are estimated to have lost about £100m since 2010.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "indicative ballots" in situations where you want to gather opinions before making a final decision, such as in union votes, organizational elections, or policy development.

Common error

A common mistake is treating the results of "indicative ballots" as if they were final decisions. Always emphasize that these ballots are for guidance only and do not carry the weight of a formal vote.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicative ballots" functions as a noun phrase, where "indicative" modifies the noun "ballots". It describes a type of ballot used to indicate preferences or opinions, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indicative ballots" is a phrase used to describe non-binding votes intended to gauge sentiment or provide preliminary feedback. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English, though it appears infrequently. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity that the ballots are not binding and serve only as indicators of opinion. Alternatives such as "preliminary vote" or "non-binding poll" may be considered for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preliminary vote

Emphasizes the vote's role as a precursor to a final decision.

Non-binding poll

Highlights that the poll's outcome does not have legal or obligatory force.

Informal ballot

Stresses the casual and unofficial nature of the voting process.

Advisory vote

Indicates that the vote serves to provide advice or guidance.

Trial ballot

Suggests the ballot is a test run or experiment.

Feeler vote

Implies the vote is used to gauge sentiment or support.

Straw poll

Refers to an unofficial vote taken to determine opinion on some matter.

Test vote

Similar to trial ballot, indicating an evaluation.

Preference vote

Focuses on gathering voters' preferences.

Guidance ballot

The ballot's goal is to generate indications

FAQs

What is the purpose of using "indicative ballots"?

The purpose of using "indicative ballots" is to gauge opinions or preferences before making a final decision. They provide a non-binding way to assess sentiment within a group or organization.

How do "indicative ballots" differ from regular ballots?

"Indicative ballots" are non-binding and used for preliminary assessment, while regular ballots are binding and determine the final outcome of a vote or election. The "preliminary vote", "non-binding poll" or "informal ballot" results don't constitute a final decision.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "indicative ballots"?

Alternatives to "indicative ballots" include "preliminary vote", "non-binding poll", "advisory vote", or "straw poll". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In what situations are "indicative ballots" typically used?

"Indicative ballots" are often used in labor unions to gauge support for potential strikes, in organizations to assess preferences for policy changes, or in political parties to test the waters before a formal election. They help to inform decision-making without committing to a specific course of action.