second ballot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second ballot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in the context of elections or voting processes, particularly when referring to a subsequent round of voting. Example: "If no candidate receives a majority of votes in the first round, a second ballot will be held to determine the winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I might make it on the second ballot here".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Bercow topped the second ballot, boosting his support from 179 to 221.

Independent

In the second ballot, Kennedy finished first but also without the requisite number of delegates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both candidates easily surpassed the 25 percent threshold on the second ballot.

The New York Times

So he accepted the nomination, won on the second ballot and went to Chicago.

The Guardian

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

Southern states eventually shifted their votes to Truman, enabling him to win after the second ballot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

Independent

On the second ballot, rules in many states allow delegates to be free agents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance readability in articles, especially those that are very long, provide clear context by reminding the reader why the "second ballot" is necessary and what the possible outcomes are.

Common error

Avoid using "second ballot" interchangeably with terms like "absentee ballot" or "provisional ballot", which refer to different aspects of the voting process. "Second ballot" specifically denotes a subsequent round of voting after an inconclusive first round.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second ballot" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific stage in an election or voting process, referring to a subsequent vote taken when the initial ballot does not yield a conclusive result. As confirmed by Ludwig, this term is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "second ballot" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a subsequent round of voting when the first round doesn't produce a clear winner. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey information related to electoral or voting processes, appearing most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When writing about elections, use "second ballot" to specifically indicate a follow-up vote, while being mindful of not confusing it with other types of ballots. Consider alternatives like "runoff vote" or "subsequent ballot" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

runoff vote

Replaces "ballot" with "vote", emphasizing the act of voting again after an initial inconclusive result.

subsequent ballot

Uses a more formal adjective to describe the ballot as following after the first one.

second round of voting

Breaks down the concept into "round of voting", clarifying the event as a second iteration.

repeat vote

Simple alteration where “second” is implied by repeat.

follow-up vote

Emphasizes that the vote follows a previous one.

additional vote

Highlights that this vote is supplemental to the first.

later ballot

Indicates a ballot that occurs at a time after the initial one.

new ballot

Simple replacement highlighting the novelty of the ballot.

revote

Short and direct, implying a repeated voting action.

second election

Alternative using the term "election" to indicate a secondary electoral event.

FAQs

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

While both involve a second vote, a "second ballot" typically occurs within the same convention or meeting, whereas a runoff election, like "runoff vote", is a separate election held after the initial one fails to produce a majority winner.

When is a "second ballot" typically required?

A "second ballot" is usually needed when no candidate or option receives the required majority of votes in the first round of voting. This is common in leadership elections or nomination processes.

Can the outcome of the "second ballot" be predicted based on the first?

While the results of the first round can influence the "subsequent ballot", the second outcome can vary greatly. Alliances may shift, and candidates may drop out or gain momentum, leading to unexpected results.

What are some synonyms for "second ballot"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "runoff vote", "subsequent ballot", or "second round of voting" to convey a similar meaning.