Definition

Noun: 1. A sealed container into which voters place their completed ballot papers: A physical box, typically made of cardboard or metal, used in elections to collect and securely store cast votes until they are counted.

Usage

The term "ballot box" refers specifically to the physical receptacle for votes. It is a central object in the process of conducting an election by secret ballot. - The primary function of a ballot box is to ensure the secrecy and security of votes until the official count. - It is often used metaphorically to represent the democratic process of voting itself (e.g., "the will of the ballot box").

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "At the ballot box": This phrase refers to the act or moment of voting, or to the collective decision of the voters.
  • The public will have their say at the ballot box next November.
• "The sanctity of the ballot box": A formal expression emphasizing the sacred and inviolable nature of the voting process and its physical components.
  • The law exists to protect the sanctity of the ballot box.

Variants and Related Words

• Ballot (n): The piece of paper or card used to cast a vote.
• Balloting (n): The process of voting by ballot.
• Ballot paper (n): Another term for a ballot.
• Voting booth (n): The private area where a voter marks their ballot before depositing it in the ballot box.

Synonyms

• Voting box: A less common, direct synonym.
• Poll box: Used in some varieties of English.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Stuff the ballot box": To commit electoral fraud by illegally adding pre-marked ballots to a ballot box.
  • The candidate was accused of trying to stuff the ballot box.

Noun

1. a box where voters deposit their ballots