ballot

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [U,C] the system of voting in writing and usually in secret; an occasion on which a vote is held: The chairperson is chosen by secret ballot. * The union cannot call a strike unless it holds a ballot of members. 2 (BrE also ballot paper) [C] the piece of paper on which sb marks who they are voting for: What percentage of eligible voters cast their ballots? 3 (the ballot) [sing.] the total number of votes in an election: She won 58.8% of the ballot. seealsoPOLL verb 1 [VN] ~ sb (on sth) to ask sb to vote in writing and secretly about sth SYNPOLL: The union balloted its members on the proposed changes. 2 [V] to vote secretly about sth: The workers balloted for a strike.