How to use these words? Make a ballot. Cast a vote. Give a vote?
BALLOT VS VOTE
A ‘ballot’ can be used as a noun or a regular verb. In the noun form, a ballot usually refers to the options presented to the voter in an election, usually in paper form. This is a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue. The voter marks his vote on the ballot.
“The teachers were planning to hold a strike ballot to see who was on their side.”
In the verb form, an organisation would ask members to vote secretly on an issue.
“The worker’s union had started preparing its members to ballot, in order to take action against the Company Directors.”
“The workers had balloted in order to take action against the multi-national company.”
A ‘vote’ is the choice expressed by a voter. This could be done verbally or in writing.
For example, if a group of friends were deciding who should be in charge of booking their holiday, one person could say, “I vote for Sarah to be in charge, because she is the most organised out of us.” There would be no ballot involved in this form of voting.
A ‘poll’ is another word that is closely linked. This also comes in a noun and verb form. In the noun form, it refers to the process of voting in an election.
“The country is expected to go to the polls at the end of this year.”
In the verb form, it refers to the act of recording the opinion or vote of a voter.
“Over half of those polled agree that tobacco advertisements should be banned altogether.”
A ballot is something that is used to cast votes in an election; this could come in the form of a piece of paper (in British English, this is called a ‘ballot paper’), a small ball, or even an electronic device. In a simple election, a ballot could just be a scrap piece of paper on which a voter marks his/her choice of candidate. In governmental elections, pre-printed ballots are used to protect the secrecy of each vote. The votes would be cast at a polling station, where a voter would place their ballot in a box. Since the 1960’s, electronic voting machines have also been used. Traditionally, balls are used in secret votes where a white ball or a black ball are used. A white ball or a ballot constitutes a vote in support of a certain party, and a black ball signifies opposition. This system is typically used in many gentlemen’s clubs and fraternities.
To summarise, a ‘vote’ is the actual choice made by a voter when a ballot or election is held. Generally, votes for an election are placed into a ballot box at a polling station. A simple vote can also be taken by a show of hands, whereas a ballot is the whole official process of voting to elect someone.
One holds an election, has or holds a ballot, and casts or places a vote.
Example sentences:
– An election was held to see who the new prime minister would be.
– We are planning to hold a ballot and see who else is willing to go on strike with us.
– Members of the public had started casting their votes for a new government.
