Dictionary
bal•lot
Pronunciation: (bal'ut), [key]
—n., v., -lot•ed, -lot•ing.
—
n.
1. a slip or sheet of paper, cardboard, or the like, on which a voter marks his or her vote.
2. the method of secret voting by means of printed or written ballots or by means of voting machines.
3. voting in general, or a round of voting:
Our candidate was defeated on the third ballot.
4. the list of candidates to be voted on:
They succeeded in getting her name placed on the ballot.
5. the right to vote:
to gain the ballot after years of struggle.
6. the whole number of votes cast or recorded.
7. a system or the practice of drawing lots:
The assassin would be chosen by ballot.
8. (formerly) a little ball used in voting.
—
v.i.
1. to vote by ballot:
to ballot against a candidate.
2. to draw lots:
to ballot for places.
—
v.t.
1. to canvass or solicit (a group, membership, etc.) for votes:
Members were balloted on the resolution.
2. to select, esp. for military service, by ballot:
Certain age groups will not be balloted at this time. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
