Inklingo

How to Say "voter" in Spanish

English → Spanish

votante

/bo-TAN-teh//boˈtante/

nounB1general
Use 'votante' when referring to any person who has the right to vote or is actively participating in the act of voting in a general sense.
A person smiling and dropping a folded paper ballot into a simple wooden box.

Examples

Cada votante debe presentar su identificación.

Every voter must present their identification.

Los políticos intentan convencer al votante indeciso.

Politicians try to convince the undecided voter.

El nivel de educación influye en el comportamiento del votante.

The level of education influences voter behavior.

One Word, Two Genders

This word stays exactly the same for men and women. You only change the word 'the' in front: 'el votante' for a man and 'la votante' for a woman.

The '-ante' ending

The ending '-ante' is like the English '-er' or '-ing'. It describes the person who does the action. Since 'votar' means 'to vote,' 'votante' is the person 'voting.'

Don't say 'Votador'

Mistake: “El votador es importante.”

Correction: El votante es importante.

elector

/eh-lek-TOHR//elekˈtoɾ/

nounB1formal
Use 'elector' when referring to a person who is officially registered and has the legal right to vote, often in a more formal or technical context.
A person placing a folded piece of paper into a wooden box with a slot on top.

Examples

El elector debe presentar su identificación antes de votar.

The elector must present their identification before voting.

Muchos electores aún no han decidido por quién votar.

Many voters still haven't decided who to vote for.

Es importante informar al elector sobre las nuevas propuestas.

It is important to inform the voter about the new proposals.

Talking about women

While this word is masculine (el elector), you should change it to 'la electora' when talking specifically about a female voter.

Group names

To talk about all voters as one big group, Spanish often uses the word 'el electorado' (the electorate).

Elector vs. Votante

Mistake: “Using 'elector' for someone who is currently in the act of voting in a casual way.”

Correction: Use 'votante' for someone actually casting a ballot and 'elector' when talking about someone who has the legal right or power to vote.

General vs. Formal 'Voter'

Learners often confuse 'votante' and 'elector' because both mean 'voter'. Remember that 'votante' is the default, everyday term. 'Elector' is more specific and often found in legal or official documents concerning the right to vote.

Related Translations

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