Definition of: ballot

(bal′ət) noun
1. A written or printed slip or ticket used in voting.
2. A little ball used in voting: the original sense.
3. The act or system of voting secretly by ballots or by voting machines.
4. The whole number of votes cast in an election.
—Australian ballot A ballot bearing the names of all the candidates of all parties, so arranged as to insure absolute secrecy and liberty in polling votes.
—v. bal·lot·ed, bal·lot·ing v.i.
1. To cast a ballot; vote or decide by ballot.
2. To draw lots or determine by lot: to ballot for position.
—v.t.
3. To vote for or decide on by means of a ballot: to ballot a question. [<Ital. ballotta, dim. of balla ball. See BALLOON.]