Inklingo

How to Say "ballot" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “ballot” is “voto” — use 'voto' when referring to the physical piece of paper that a person marks to cast their vote in an election..

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voto

VOH-toh/ˈbo.to/

nounA2general
Use 'voto' when referring to the physical piece of paper that a person marks to cast their vote in an election.
A stylized illustration of a hand casting a folded ballot into a blue election box.

Examples

Mi voto es secreto, nadie sabrá a quién elegí.

My vote is secret; no one will know who I chose.

El presidente ganó por un solo voto de diferencia.

The president won by only one vote difference.

Todos los miembros tienen derecho a emitir un voto en la reunión.

All members have the right to cast a vote in the meeting.

Gender Check

Since 'voto' is masculine, remember to use 'el' or 'un' with it, and any describing words (adjectives) must also end in -o (e.g., 'el voto secreto').

Confusing 'Voto' and 'Votación'

Mistake: “Using 'la voto' instead of 'el voto'.”

Correction: Voto is masculine ('el voto'). 'Votación' (the voting process) is feminine ('la votación').

votación

nounB2general
Use 'votación' when referring to the entire event or process of voting, such as an election or a poll.

Examples

La votación para elegir al nuevo director comenzará a las diez.

The vote to elect the new director will start at ten o'clock.

Voto vs. Votación

The most common mistake is using 'voto' for the entire voting event. Remember, 'voto' is the individual ballot paper, while 'votación' is the overall act or process of voting.

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