Balloter

Balloter is a term that can refer to several things, primarily related to the act of voting or casting a ballot. In its most common usage, a balloter is an individual who votes in an election. This person is typically a registered citizen who participates in the democratic process by marking their choice on a ballot. The term emphasizes the act of casting a vote, distinguishing the voter as a participant in the balloting procedure.

Historically, the term "balloter" might have been more specifically associated with the physical act of using a ball or token to vote, a method used in ancient Greece and Rome. In these systems, citizens would cast a colored stone or other object into a designated urn to signify their choice. The person performing this action would be a balloter.

In modern contexts, "balloter" is less frequently used than "voter." However, it can appear in legal or procedural documents where the precise action of casting a ballot is being described. For instance, a document might refer to the rights and responsibilities of a balloter, or the process by which a balloter's choice is recorded. It can also be used in contrast to other roles in an election, such as election officials or observers. The term balloter inherently signifies active participation in the voting process.