Vote vs. Ballot — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 13, 2024
A vote is the act of making a choice in an election or decision-making process, while a ballot is the medium or method used to cast that vote.
Difference Between Vote and Ballot
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Voting is the fundamental act of expressing a choice or preference in a democratic process, whether it's for electing officials, making decisions in a meeting, or passing legislation. It's an individual's right to have a say in the governance or direction of a collective entity. Ballots, on the other hand, are the physical or electronic means by which votes are cast and recorded, ranging from paper slips to digital systems.
Votes represent the actual decision or preference of an individual voter. When someone votes, they are participating in the decision-making process, contributing to the collective outcome. Ballots serve as the confidential vehicle for this process, ensuring the voter's choice is anonymous yet counted, essential for the integrity and fairness of the voting process.
The process of voting can be carried out in various ways, including show of hands, voice votes, or electronic clicks in modern systems. Ballots are specifically designed for more formal and often larger-scale voting processes, like public elections or referendums, where anonymity and accuracy are paramount.
In some contexts, the term "vote" can also refer to the total count of votes cast in an election or decision-making process. In contrast, "ballot" might refer to the overall system or set of options presented to voters, as in a ballot paper or ballot box, which contains all the choices available.
The integrity of a vote is protected through the ballot, which is designed to prevent fraud, ensure privacy, and maintain the principle of one person, one vote. Ballot formats and designs vary widely, from simple paper ballots to complex electronic voting systems, each with its own methods for safeguarding the vote's integrity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual's expression of choice in an election or decision-making process
The medium or method through which a vote is cast and recorded
Representation
The actual decision or preference
The vehicle for casting and recording votes
Methods
Show of hands, voice, electronic systems
Paper slips, electronic systems, mail-in ballots
Context
Used in both informal and formal decision-making processes
Often associated with formal elections and referendums
Purpose
To participate in governance or decision-making
To ensure anonymity, accuracy, and integrity in voting
Compare with Definitions
Vote
The act of expressing a choice or preference in a decision-making process.
She cast her vote for the new community center proposal.
Ballot
A system or medium used for casting and recording votes.
The ballot included options for multiple candidates and measures.
Vote
Usually private to protect the voter's choice.
The secret ballot ensured that her vote remained confidential.
Ballot
Tailored to ensure clarity, secrecy, and fraud prevention.
The ballot paper was designed to prevent any tampering or misunderstanding.
Vote
Represents democratic participation and individual opinion.
Every vote counts in shaping the outcome of the election.
Ballot
The process involves tallying votes from the submitted ballots.
Ballot counting continued late into the night to determine the winner.
Vote
Influences the result of elections, referendums, and motions.
The votes were tallied, revealing strong support for the initiative.
Ballot
Range from paper ballots to electronic systems.
The electronic ballot system streamlined the voting process.
Vote
Can vary from verbal affirmation to electronic selection.
Members voted via an online platform for the annual meeting.
Ballot
Managed by electoral bodies to maintain integrity.
Ballots were distributed and collected by the electoral commission.
Vote
A formal expression of preference for a candidate for office or for a proposed resolution of an issue
Let's decide the matter by vote.
Ballot
A ballot is a device used to cast votes in an election and may be found as a piece of paper or a small ball used in secret voting. It was originally a small ball (see blackballing) used to record decisions made by voters in Italy around the 16th century.Each voter uses one ballot, and ballots are not shared.
Vote
The act of voting
It took several votes to decide the matter.
Ballot
A sheet of paper or a card used to cast or register a vote, especially a secret one.
Vote
A means by which such a preference is made known, such as a raised hand or a marked ballot
Looked around the room and counted the votes in favor.
Ballot
The act, process, or method of voting, especially in secret.
Vote
The number of votes cast in an election or to resolve an issue
A heavy vote in favor of the bill.
Ballot
A list of candidates running for office; a ticket.
Vote
A group of voters alike in some way
The African American vote.
The rural vote.
Ballot
The total of all votes cast in an election.
Vote
The result of an election or referendum
The measure was defeated in a resounding negative vote.
Ballot
The right to vote; franchise.
Vote
The right to participate as a voter; suffrage
When the nation gave the vote to women.
Ballot
A small ball once used to register a secret vote.
Vote
To express one's preference for a candidate or for a proposed resolution of an issue; cast a vote
Voting against the measure.
Ballot
To cast a ballot; vote.
Vote
To express a choice or an opinion
The children voted unanimously by jumping up and down.
Ballot
To draw lots.
Vote
To express one's preference for by vote
Voted the straight Republican ticket.
Ballot
Originally, a small ball placed in a container to cast a vote; now, by extension, a piece of paper or card used for this purpose, or some other means used to signify a vote.
Vote
To decide the disposition of by vote, as by electing or defeating
Vote in a new mayor.
Voted out their representative.
Vote down the amendment.
Ballot
The process of voting, especially in secret; a round of voting.
Vote
To bring into existence or make available by vote
Vote new funds for a program.
Ballot
The total of all the votes cast in an election.
Vote
To be guided by in voting
Vote one's conscience.
Ballot
A list of candidates running for office; a ticket.
Vote
To declare or pronounce by general consent
Voted the play a success.
Ballot
To vote or decide by ballot.
To ballot for a candidate
Vote
(Informal) To state as a preference or opinion
I vote we eat out tonight.
Ballot
To draw lots.
Vote
A formalized choice on legally relevant measures such as employment or appointment to office or a proceeding about a legal dispute.
The city council decided the matter should go to public vote.
Parliament will hold a vote of confidence regarding the minister.
One occasion indicative votes were used was in 2003 when MPs were presented with seven different options on how to reform the House of Lords.
Ballot
Originally, a ball used for secret voting. Hence: Any printed or written ticket used in voting.
Vote
An act or instance of participating in such a choice, e.g., by submitting a ballot
The Supreme Court upheld the principle of one person, one vote.
Ballot
The act of secret voting, whether by balls, written or printed ballots or tickets, or by use of a voting machine; the system of voting secretly.
The insufficiency of the ballot.
Vote
(obsolete) an ardent wish or desire; a vow; a prayer
Ballot
The whole number of votes cast at an election, or in a given territory or electoral district.
Vote
(obsolete) a formalized petition or request
Ballot
The official list of candidates competing in an election.
Vote
(obsolete) any judgment of intellect leading to a formal opinion, a point of view
Ballot
To vote or decide by ballot; as, to ballot for a candidate.
Vote
Any judgment of intellect leading not only to a formal opinion but also to a particular choice in a legally relevant measure, a point of view as published
Ballot
To vote for or in opposition to.
None of the competitors arriving to a sufficient number of balls, they fell to ballot some others.
Vote
(intransitive) to cast a vote; to assert a formalized choice in an election
Did you vote last month?
Ballot
A document listing the alternatives that is used in voting
Vote
(transitive) to choose or grant by means of a vote, or by general consent
The depository may vote shares on behalf of investors who have not submitted instruction to the bank.
Ballot
A choice that is made by voting;
There were only 17 votes in favor of the motion
Vote
An ardent wish or desire; a vow; a prayer.
Ballot
Vote by ballot;
The voters were balloting in this state
Vote
A wish, choice, or opinion, of a person or a body of persons, expressed in some received and authorized way; the expression of a wish, desire, will, preference, or choice, in regard to any measure proposed, in which the person voting has an interest in common with others, either in electing a person to office, or in passing laws, rules, regulations, etc.; suffrage.
Vote
That by means of which will or preference is expressed in elections, or in deciding propositions; voice; a ballot; a ticket; as, a written vote.
The freeman casting with unpurchased handThe vote that shakes the turrets of the land.
Vote
Expression of judgment or will by a majority; legal decision by some expression of the minds of a number; as, the vote was unanimous; a vote of confidence.
Vote
Votes, collectively; as, the Tory vote; the labor vote.
Vote
To express or signify the mind, will, or preference, either viva voce, or by ballot, or by other authorized means, as in electing persons to office, in passing laws, regulations, etc., or in deciding on any proposition in which one has an interest with others.
The vote for a duelist is to assist in the prostration of justice, and, indirectly, to encourage the crime.
To vote on large principles, to vote honestly, requires a great amount of information.
Vote
To choose by suffrage; to elec ; as, to vote a candidate into office.
Vote
To enact, establish, grant, determine, etc., by a formal vote; as, the legislature voted the resolution.
Parliament voted them one hundred thousand pounds.
Vote
To declare by general opinion or common consent, as if by a vote; as, he was voted a bore.
Vote
To condemn; to devote; to doom.
Vote
A choice that is made by voting;
There were only 17 votes in favor of the motion
Vote
The opinion of a group as determined by voting;
They put the question to a vote
Vote
A legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment;
American women got the vote in 1920
Vote
A body of voters who have the same interests;
He failed to get the Black vote
Vote
The total number of votes cast;
They are hoping for a large vote
Vote
Express one's preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution; cast a vote;
He voted for the motion
None of the Democrats voted last night
Vote
Express one's choice or preference by vote;
Vote the Democratic ticket
Vote
Express a choice or opinion;
I vote that we all go home
She voted for going to the Chinese restaurant
Vote
Be guided by in voting;
Vote one's conscience
Vote
Bring into existence or make available by vote;
They voted aid for the underdeveloped countries in Asia
Common Curiosities
Can a vote be anonymous in an electronic system?
Yes, electronic systems can be designed to keep individual votes anonymous while still verifying voter eligibility.
What happens if a ballot is filled out incorrectly?
Incorrectly filled ballots may be considered spoiled and not counted, which is why instructions for proper completion are crucial.
Can anyone create a ballot?
Ballots for official purposes are typically created and distributed by authorized electoral bodies to ensure fairness and compliance with regulations.
How is a vote kept secret with paper ballots?
Paper ballots are designed to be filled out privately in a voting booth and then concealed in an envelope or box to maintain voter confidentiality.
Is it possible to vote without a ballot?
Yes, votes can be expressed through various means, not just ballots, like by show of hands or verbally in smaller, informal settings.
Can I change my vote after submitting a ballot?
Once a ballot is submitted, it's usually final. However, some electronic systems or early voting processes may have procedures for changing a vote under specific conditions.
Is electronic voting secure?
Electronic voting can be secure with the right measures, but it requires rigorous safeguards to prevent hacking, fraud, and technical failures.
Why are some ballots rejected?
Ballots can be rejected for a variety of reasons, including incorrect completion, damage, or failing to meet submission deadlines.
How do absentee ballots work?
Absentee ballots allow voters to submit their vote by mail or other means if they cannot be physically present at a polling place on election day.
What's the difference between a referendum and an election ballot?
A referendum ballot poses a question or series of questions to be answered by the electorate, whereas an election ballot lists candidates to be chosen for positions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
