Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who holds a public office or position to which they have been chosen by voters through an election: An elected official is someone who has been selected by the electorate to represent them and perform duties in a governmental or organizational role. This implies a democratic process where the official's authority is derived from the votes of the people.

Usage

• The term is used to specify that an individual's position is a result of an electoral victory, distinguishing them from appointed or hereditary officials.
• It is commonly used in political and civic contexts to discuss governance, representation, and accountability.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The mayor is an elected official responsible for the city's administration.
  • Citizens have the right to petition their elected officials about community issues.
  • As an elected official, she must report campaign donations according to the law.

Advanced Usage

• "to be held accountable as an elected official": to be responsible for one's actions and decisions to the electorate.

  • The senator was held accountable as an elected official for failing to keep his campaign promises.

• "run for elected office": to campaign to become an elected official.

  • After years of activism, she decided to run for elected office.

Variants and Related Words

• Official (n): A person holding public office or a position of authority. (A broader term that includes both elected and appointed individuals).

  • A government official announced the new policy.

• Elect (v): To choose someone for a public office by voting.

  • The people will elect a new president next year.

• Electorate (n): All the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election.

  • The elected official addressed the concerns of the electorate.

Synonyms

• Officeholder: A person who holds a public office.
• Representative: A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for another or others, especially in a legislative body.

Antonyms

• Appointed official: A person who holds a public office because they were selected by an authority figure or body, not by popular vote.
• Hereditary official: A person who holds a position based on inheritance or family lineage.

Related Phrases

• Public servant: A person who works for the government, often used synonymously with elected official, though it can also include career civil servants.

  • He entered politics to be a public servant, not for personal gain.

• Term of office: The period for which an elected official holds their position.

  • The governor is serving his second term of office.

Noun

1. official who won the office in a free election