/ ˈbalət / noun /
RE: DEMOCRACY, POLITICS, UNITED STATES
A ballot is the tool used by voters to make choices in an election. It can be a piece of paper, a digital form, or a machine interface—whatever format is used, the purpose is the same: to let people cast their vote privately and securely. Ballots list the candidates running for office and may also include questions like proposed laws or constitutional changes, known as ballot measures. People can usually vote early, by mail, or in person, depending on what works best for them.
At its core, the ballot is what turns public opinion into real-world outcomes. It’s the foundation of democratic participation, allowing each person to have a say in who leads and how communities are governed.
In a democracy, power is meant to come from the people - and ballots make this possible by giving everyone an equal voice. They ensure that voting is private, which protects individuals from pressure or intimidation, and they create a written or digital record that can be counted and verified, helping to maintain the integrity of the process.Whether you're voting for a mayor or deciding on a new public policy, the ballot is where individual choices come together to shape collective futures.
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