ballot box

noun

1. a receptacle for voters' ballots.
2. a system or instance of voting by ballot.

ballot box

noun

1. a box into which ballot papers are dropped after voting

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballot box¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Hokey as it sounds, we’re reminded on this one day that the power in our political system ultimately rests with the people and the sentiments they express at the ballot box.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal law prohibits threatening election officials or staff with violence, intimidating or bribing voters, buying or selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters without their input.

From Los Angeles Times

This election has shown how much its importance has faded into the distance, with both campaigns much more concerned about getting the likes of Black and Latino voters to the ballot box.

From BBC

Arguably, most viewers of real-time election coverage are the age of majority, and can be trusted to choose for themselves in prime time as well as at the ballot box.

From Los Angeles Times

Sheriff’s officials will haul in ballot boxes from the polls via helicopter and patrol cars to a heavily surveilled warehouse-like processing center, with K-9 units sniffing for explosives or other threats.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• polling place