ballot etymology

Etymology:

  • French: ballotte, from Italian: ballota, a little ball
  • Latin: balleus, a ball
  • Greek: bállein, to throw
  • Proto-Indo-European: ǵʰwele-, to turn, roll

Meaning:

  • A paper or electronic form used to cast a vote in an election or poll
  • The right to vote
  • A list of candidates or proposals to be voted on

Origin:

The word "ballot" first appeared in the early 14th century, referring to a small ball used in voting. These balls were placed in a box, and the candidate with the most balls was declared the winner.

Over time, the meaning of "ballot" evolved to include the paper or electronic forms used to cast votes. The term also came to encompass the right to vote, which is considered a fundamental right in democratic societies.

In the United States, the right to vote was originally restricted to white, male property owners. However, over time, the franchise was gradually expanded to include all citizens. The 15th Amendment (1870) granted African American men the right to vote, and the 19th Amendment (1920) extended the right to vote to women.

Today, the ballot is an essential part of the democratic process. It allows citizens to have a voice in their government and to hold their elected officials accountable.

ballot relate terms

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  • bull

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  • ballot

    Etymology French ballotte from Italian ballota a little ball Latin balleus a ball

  • bale

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  • baleen

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  • ball

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  • balloon

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  • ballot

    Etymology French ballotte from Italian ballota a little ball Latin balleus a ball

  • bold

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  • bole

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  • boll

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  • boulevard

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  • bulk

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  • bull

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  • bullock

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  • full

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  • pall mall

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  • bellows

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  • belly

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  • bilge

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  • billow

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  • bolster

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  • budget

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  • bulge

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  • affluent

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  • bloat

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  • confluence

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  • effluent

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  • efflux

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  • fluctuate

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  • fluent

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  • fluid

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  • flush

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  • fluvial

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  • flux

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  • influence

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  • influenza

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  • influx

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  • mellifluous

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  • phloem

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  • reflux

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  • superfluous

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  • suffrage

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  • psephocracy

    Etymology From Greek ψῆφος psephos pebble or vote κράτος kratos

  • scrutiny

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  • stuff

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  • club

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  • choice

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  • potion

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