Hi, John!
Whether you are a first-time voter or a seasoned pro, understanding voting terminology is essential to owning your power at the ballot box. From absentee ballot to polling place, we’re breaking down the key terms to ensure you feel confident and ready to vote. Let’s dive in!
🗳️ Absentee Ballot: A ballot given to a voter ahead of time who cannot vote in person on Election Day. Depending on the state, people in the military, the elderly, and college students can receive absentee ballots. In some states, anyone can vote with an absentee ballot. In others, voters need to meet specific criteria. Sometimes, people refer to voting with an absentee ballot as voting by mail.
🗳️ Ballot Measure or Proposal: Proposals to enact new laws or repeal existing laws that appear on a state or local ballot to be approved or rejected by voters. They are permitted by 24 states and are considered one of the most popular forms of direct democracy.
🗳️ Electoral College: The system used to elect the U.S. president. Voters in each state choose electors, who then cast votes for president and vice president. Each state gets electors based on its population, and a candidate needs 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win. This system means a candidate can win the presidency without winning the national popular vote.
🗳️ Election Official: People who work to facilitate the voting process. Examples include poll workers, election clerks, and election judges. Their responsibilities include monitoring the voting process at the polls, ensuring that voters are following state guidelines, certifying that elections are conducted legally, and presenting the final tally of votes.
🗳️ General Election: A regular election between candidates, as opposed to a primary election. General elections occur on local, state, and federal levels. The upcoming election on Tuesday, November 5, is a general election.
🗳️ Polling Place: A facility that you visit on Election Day to cast your ballot. Polling locations are generally designated based on your address and can be at places such as schools, community centers, churches, libraries, etc. Find your polling place here.
🗳️ Popular Vote: The vote cast during an election for a candidate or issue. Whichever candidate or decision about an issue gets the most votes has won the popular vote. (Exception: U.S. President and Vice President are determined by an Electoral College vote.)
🗳️ Provisional Ballot: A type of ballot that asks questions about the voter’s identity or ability to vote in a certain precinct. Provisional ballots are only counted once a voter’s information is confirmed, which may occur after the election.
🗳️ Sample Ballot: A sample ballot shows voters what their ballot will look like before they cast their vote. Sample ballots help voters get informed and prepared for when they cast their real ballot. Remember, your ballot is not a pop quiz!
John, no matter where you are in your voting journey, make sure your final destination is the ballot box. Visit WeAll.Vote/plan right now to create your voting plan, and don’t forget to share this link with friends, family, and neighbors to get everyone out at the polls!
