Stemmekasse

Stemmekasse is a compound noun in Norwegian that can refer to more than one concept, depending on the context. The most common sense in political discussions is a ballot box used to collect votes during elections or referendums. A stemmekasse is typically a sealed container with a slot for ballots, designed to preserve ballot secrecy and the integrity of the voting process. In polling places, ballots are deposited into the box and later counted by election officials. Some systems use transparent boxes or tamper-evident seals, and security measures vary by country and jurisdiction. The term may also be used more broadly to describe a physical container for votes in various voting setups, including ceremonial or temporary arrangements.

In anatomy or lay contexts, stemmekasse can refer to the voice box, the larynx, located in the throat. In this sense, the term emphasizes the organ’s role in producing speech and protecting the airway. The larynx contains the vocal cords and functions as a valve that regulates airflow from the lungs and facilitates phonation, coughing, and swallowing to varying degrees.

Etymology: stemme means “vote” or “voice,” and kasse means “box,” with the intended meaning inferred from context. The electoral sense is common in everyday language, while the medical sense appears mainly in more specialized or educational discussions. Related topics include ballot box and larynx.