card vote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Institutional
Quick answer
What does “card vote” mean?
A voting method in which each voter casts a ballot (often a physical card) to record their choice, especially in formal organizational settings like unions or committees.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A voting method in which each voter casts a ballot (often a physical card) to record their choice, especially in formal organizational settings like unions or committees.
A system of voting where the number of votes a delegate can cast is proportional to the number of people they represent (e.g., union members), often using a card to indicate the size of their bloc. More broadly, any vote conducted using written or printed cards rather than a show of hands or electronic means.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common and institutionalised in British English, particularly in trade union and Labour Party contexts. In American English, similar procedures exist but are more often described as 'delegate voting', 'weighted voting', or 'ballot voting'.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly connotes trade union democracy and internal party politics. In the US, may have a more generic connotation of a formal paper ballot.
Frequency
High frequency in specific UK institutional/political discourse; low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “card vote” in a Sentence
The union [held] a card vote.Delegates [called for] a card vote on the motion.The issue was decided by [a card vote].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “card vote” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chair was forced to card-vote the contentious motion.
- We will card-vote on the pay offer tomorrow.
American English
- The assembly voted to card-vote the resolution.
- They decided to card-vote rather than use a voice vote.
adverb
British English
- The motion was decided card-vote.
- They voted card-vote on every issue.
American English
- The measure passed card-vote.
- The committee operates card-vote.
adjective
British English
- The card-vote procedure is outlined in the rulebook.
- It was a card-vote decision.
American English
- The card-vote system ensured fair representation.
- A card-vote outcome is more definitive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussions of union relations or corporate governance in UK-based companies.
Academic
Used in political science, sociology, and industrial relations papers discussing democratic processes within organisations.
Everyday
Very rare. Would only be used by someone involved in union or political party activities.
Technical
Specific term in parliamentary procedure and trade union rulebooks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “card vote”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “card vote”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “card vote”
- Using 'card vote' to mean any vote using a ballot paper (it's more specific).
- Confusing it with 'postal vote' or 'proxy vote'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. A card vote is a method of casting and counting votes, often by delegates. It can be secret or open, depending on the rules.
Historically, delegates would often hold up a coloured card or a card with a number on it to indicate their vote or the size of their bloc.
Typically, yes, if the organisation's rules allow it. It is often used to move from an informal show of hands to a more precise, counted vote.
It provides a clear, auditable record of the vote and accurately reflects the weighted strength of different delegations or blocs, which a simple headcount does not.
A voting method in which each voter casts a ballot (often a physical card) to record their choice, especially in formal organizational settings like unions or committees.
Card vote is usually formal, institutional in register.
Card vote: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːd ˌvəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrd ˌvoʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To put it to a card vote”
- “The card vote carried the day”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a delegate holding up a large CARD that says how many VOTES they represent, like a poker chip representing money in a game.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOTING IS A MEASURED QUANTITY (the card measures/represents the number of votes).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is a 'card vote' MOST likely to be used?