second ballot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Political
Quick answer
What does “second ballot” mean?
An electoral procedure in which a further vote is held because the first vote did not produce an outright winner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electoral procedure in which a further vote is held because the first vote did not produce an outright winner.
1. In politics, a second round of voting between the top two candidates from a first round where no candidate achieved an absolute majority. 2. In committee or organisational decisions, a follow-up vote to resolve a deadlock or inconclusive result.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, "second ballot" is the standard term for a follow-up vote in political contexts (e.g., party leadership elections). In the US, the equivalent process is more commonly called a "runoff election" or simply a "runoff". The term "second ballot" is understood but used less frequently.
Connotations
UK: Neutral, procedural. Associated with party leadership contests and some trade union elections. US: May sound slightly British or journalistic; "runoff" carries stronger political electoral connotations (e.g., for Senate or primary elections).
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English, especially in political journalism. Low frequency in general American English, where "runoff" predominates.
Grammar
How to Use “second ballot” in a Sentence
[Party/Committee] + hold/conduct + a second ballot[Candidate] + fail to win + on the first ballot, forcing + a second ballotVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second ballot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The party membership will second-ballot the candidates next week.
American English
- (Rare as verb) They will hold a runoff to decide.
adjective
British English
- The second-ballot procedure is outlined in chapter five.
American English
- The runoff election date has been set.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used in the context of board elections or shareholder votes requiring a supermajority.
Academic
Used in political science texts discussing electoral systems (e.g., two-round systems).
Everyday
Very rare. Almost exclusively heard in news reports about political contests.
Technical
Specific term in electoral law and political party constitutions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second ballot”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second ballot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second ballot”
- Using "second vote" as a direct equivalent (less specific). Confusing it with "recount" (which is counting the same votes again).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A recount involves counting the votes from the same election again to check for accuracy. A second ballot is a completely new vote held after the first one.
It is very rare and non-standard. The typical construction is 'to hold a second ballot' or 'to go to a second ballot'.
They describe the same electoral process. 'Second ballot' is the preferred term in British English, while 'runoff' (or 'runoff election') is standard in American English.
It is needed when the rules of the election (e.g., a party's constitution) require a candidate to achieve an absolute majority (over 50%) to win, and no candidate does so in the first round of voting.
An electoral procedure in which a further vote is held because the first vote did not produce an outright winner.
Second ballot is usually formal, political in register.
Second ballot: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈbælət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈbælət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's going down to the wire/a second ballot.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sports final: the first game was a draw, so they need a SECOND match to decide. A SECOND BALLOT is the 'rematch' in an election.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTIONS ARE SPORTING CONTESTS (go to a second round, runoff), RESOLUTION IS A JOURNEY (go to a second ballot).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'second ballot' MOST commonly used?