Electoral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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electoral
[ɪˈlɛktərəl ]
Definitions
politics
Relating to or denoting the system of voting by which voters choose representatives in elections
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| electoral |
Use 'electoral' when discussing matters related to elections, such as systems, processes, districts, or outcomes.
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| voting |
Use 'voting' for the act of casting a vote in an election. It focuses on the individual action of participating in an election by marking a choice.
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| balloting |
Use 'balloting' when referring to the act of casting votes, especially emphasizing the method or process of voting, such as using ballots, either paper or electronic.
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| election |
Use 'election' when talking about the event where people vote for candidates or decisions. It refers to the overall process of choosing representatives or deciding on issues.
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Examples of usage
- The electoral process is a crucial part of a democratic society
- The electoral college system is unique to the United States
politics
Of or relating to electors or an electoral college
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| electoral |
Used to describe anything related to an election or the process of voting. It's more formal and often used in government or legal contexts.
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| elector |
Typically used to describe a person who has the right to vote, more formal than 'voter' and can be used in specific contexts like the Electoral College in the U.S.
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| voter |
Refers to a person who participates in voting. It is the most common and casual term used for someone who votes in an election.
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| citizen |
Refers to a person who legally belongs to a specific country and has rights and responsibilities there. It is a general term not limited to elections.
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Examples of usage
- The Electoral Commission oversees the electoral process
- Electoral fraud is a serious offense
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Political Systems
- In many countries, electoral systems can be categorized as either first-past-the-post, proportional representation, or ranked-choice voting.
- Some electoral systems require voters to select multiple candidates, leading to a different strategy in voting behavior.
Global Impact
- Countries with fair electoral processes tend to have higher voter turnout, reflecting stronger public engagement in governance.
- Electoral integrity is often measured by the transparency and security of the voting process, impacting citizens' trust in democracy.
History
- The first recorded electoral process dates back to ancient Greece, where citizens could vote on laws and policies in the assembly.
- The Electoral College, established in the U.S. Constitution in 1787, was created as a compromise between direct popular vote and election by Congress.
Contemporary Issues
- Recent elections around the world have faced challenges, including allegations of fraud and calls for electoral reform to enhance fairness.
- Digital technology has transformed electoral campaigns, allowing for new forms of voter engagement and fundraising.
Origin of 'electoral'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'electoralis', meaning related to choosing or selecting.
- Originally used in the context of the people who have the power to vote, the term has evolved with democratic practices.
The word 'electoral' originated from the Latin word 'elector', meaning chooser or selector. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of electoral systems has evolved over time, with various forms of voting mechanisms developed to ensure fair representation in elections. The usage of the term 'electoral' became more prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries with the establishment of modern democratic processes.
See also: elect, electing, election, electioneering, elector.