Inklingo

How to Say "to elect" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to elect” is “elegir” — use 'elegir' when the focus is on the final selection or choice of a person for an office or position, typically as the result of a voting process..

English → Spanish

elegir

eh-leh-HEER/e.leˈxiɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'elegir' when the focus is on the final selection or choice of a person for an office or position, typically as the result of a voting process.
A diverse crowd of stylized figures smiling and raising their hands towards a single, central figure standing slightly elevated on a small platform, symbolizing an election.

Examples

El congreso eligió al nuevo líder del partido.

The congress elected the new party leader.

El pueblo eligió a un nuevo presidente.

The people elected a new president.

Debemos elegir a los miembros de la junta directiva.

We must elect the members of the board of directors.

votar

/boh-TAR//boˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'votar' when referring specifically to the action of casting a ballot or expressing your choice in an election.
A close-up view of a person's hand casting a red ballot into a blue election ballot box.

Examples

Los ciudadanos van a votar por su candidato preferido.

The citizens are going to vote for their preferred candidate.

Mañana vamos a votar por el nuevo presidente.

Tomorrow we are going to vote for the new president.

Todos los ciudadanos mayores de edad tienen derecho a votar.

All adult citizens have the right to vote.

El comité votó unánimemente a favor de la propuesta.

The committee voted unanimously in favor of the proposal.

Choosing Your Option: 'Por' vs. 'A Favor'

When you vote for a candidate or party, use the preposition 'por' (Votar por un candidato). When you vote in favor of a general idea or law, use 'a favor de' (Votar a favor de la ley).

Votar vs. Botar

Mistake: “I want to vote this trash away: 'Quiero votar esta basura.'”

Correction: The correct verb is 'botar' (to throw away/to bounce). 'Quiero botar esta basura.' Remember, 'votar' is only for elections or decisions.

Choosing between 'votar' and 'elegir'

Learners often confuse 'votar' and 'elegir' because both relate to elections. Remember that 'votar' is the action of casting a vote, while 'elegir' is the outcome of choosing someone for a role, often after the voting is done.

Related Translations

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