secret ballot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Formal, Academic, Political, Legal
Quick answer
What does “secret ballot” mean?
A voting method where a voter's choices are confidential, intended to prevent coercion or influence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A voting method where a voter's choices are confidential, intended to prevent coercion or influence.
A principle or system guaranteeing anonymous voting, typically by using a private booth and an unmarked, standardized ballot.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The concept is identical. The term 'Australian ballot' is a historical synonym used primarily in American legal/political history.
Connotations
Strongly positive in both cultures, connoting democracy, fairness, and individual freedom. In the UK, it's associated with the 1872 Ballot Act.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American discourse due to its enshrinement in many state constitutions and more frequent public discussions about election integrity.
Grammar
How to Use “secret ballot” in a Sentence
The union decided the issue [by secret ballot].They held [a secret ballot] on the proposal.The law guarantees [the right to a secret ballot].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secret ballot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The members will ballot secretly on the motion next Tuesday.
American English
- The committee decided to ballot privately to choose the chair.
adverb
British English
- The decision was made secret-ballot, as per the club's rules.
adjective
British English
- The secret-ballot process was overseen by independent scrutineers.
American English
- They insisted on a secret-ballot vote for the new bylaws.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in corporate governance for shareholder votes or employee union decisions.
Academic
Frequently discussed in political science, law, and history papers on electoral systems.
Everyday
Used when discussing voting procedures in local clubs, societies, or school elections.
Technical
A precise legal term in electoral law and parliamentary procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secret ballot”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secret ballot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secret ballot”
- Using 'secret vote' as a direct synonym in very formal/legal contexts (it's less precise).
- Misspelling as 'secret balot'.
- Using with an indefinite article where it's uncountable (e.g., 'vote by a secret ballot' is less common than 'vote by secret ballot').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun, typically written as two separate words. Hyphenation (secret-ballot) is sometimes used when it functions as a modifier (e.g., secret-ballot system).
The modern secret ballot using pre-printed, uniform ballots was first introduced in Australia in the 1850s (hence 'Australian ballot'). It was adopted in the UK in 1872 and spread to other democracies.
Technically challenging, as it requires ensuring both anonymity and verification that the vote is cast by an eligible voter. It's a major topic in cybersecurity and electoral reform debates.
An open ballot or public vote, such as a show of hands, a roll-call vote, or a voice vote where choices are publicly declared.
A voting method where a voter's choices are confidential, intended to prevent coercion or influence.
Secret ballot is usually formal, academic, political, legal in register.
Secret ballot: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsiːkrət ˈbælət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsiːkrət ˈbælət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The secret ballot is the cornerstone of a free election.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ballot box wearing a disguise (secret agent) to keep voters' identities hidden.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECRECY IS PROTECTION (the secrecy of the ballot protects the voter's freedom).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a secret ballot?