donkey vote: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Political, formal, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “donkey vote” mean?
An intentionally invalid or random vote cast in an election, where preferences are numbered sequentially down or across the ballot paper without regard to candidates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An intentionally invalid or random vote cast in an election, where preferences are numbered sequentially down or across the ballot paper without regard to candidates.
Also refers to the phenomenon of voters numbering ballot preferences in the order they are listed (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4...), especially in preferential voting systems, which can unintentionally benefit candidates listed first.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This term is predominantly Australian. It is not standard political terminology in the UK or US, though it may appear in international political science contexts. The UK/US equivalents might be 'spoiled ballot' or 'protest vote', but they are not precise synonyms.
Connotations
Australian: Strongly negative, suggesting voter apathy or willful disregard. UK/US: Largely unknown or used only in specialist discussion of Australian politics.
Frequency
Extremely low in UK/US general use. High frequency in Australian political reporting during elections.
Grammar
How to Use “donkey vote” in a Sentence
[voter/elector] casts a donkey voteThe [election/ballot] saw a high level of donkey votesDonkey voting can affect [outcome/result]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in political science papers analyzing voting behavior, electoral systems, and Australian politics.
Everyday
Almost exclusively in Australian English during election periods.
Technical
Specific term in electoral studies and psephology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “donkey vote”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “donkey vote”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “donkey vote”
- Using it to refer to voting for a minor party (incorrect). Confusing it with a 'protest vote' which is deliberate, whereas a donkey vote can be unintentional. Capitalizing it (it is not a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formally valid vote if all boxes are numbered correctly, even if done sequentially. It is the intention or lack of considered choice that defines it.
While the term is Australian, the phenomenon of voters being influenced by the order of names on a ballot occurs in many countries. The specific 'sequential numbering' behavior is most discussed in the context of Australia's full-preferential system.
An informed or strategic vote, where the voter has considered the candidates and allocated preferences based on genuine preference or tactical calculation.
Yes, particularly in close elections. Candidates listed first on the ballot can gain a small but statistically significant advantage from sequential votes.
An intentionally invalid or random vote cast in an election, where preferences are numbered sequentially down or across the ballot paper without regard to candidates.
Donkey vote is usually political, formal, journalistic in register.
Donkey vote: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒŋki vəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːŋki voʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Voting down the line (similar concept but not identical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A 'donkey' is traditionally seen as stubborn or unintelligent; a 'donkey vote' is cast without thinking, stubbornly following the ballot order.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IS A JOURNEY / A donkey vote is a mindless, plodding journey down the ballot paper.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'donkey vote' primarily associated with?