Voters

Voters are individuals who have the right or are eligible to participate in elections by casting ballots. In democracies, voters are the core element of the electoral process, and their choices determine political leadership and policy directions. The term typically refers to citizens who meet certain legal requirements to vote, though eligibility varies by country and jurisdiction.

Eligibility and registration requirements usually include citizenship, age (commonly 18 or older), residency, and not being disqualified by law. Many places require voter registration before participating; some jurisdictions allow same-day or online registration, or automatic voter registration when obtaining services. Some require identification or other verification at the polls.

Voters typically cast ballots at polling places on designated election days. Alternatives include early voting, mail-in or absentee ballots, and provisional ballots when eligibility is uncertain. Ballots are counted by election authorities, subject to verification and potential recounts.

Voter turnout varies by country, region, and election. Barriers can include registration hurdles, travel, work constraints, language, disabilities, or legal restrictions such as felon disenfranchisement in some jurisdictions. Measures to improve participation include accessibility improvements, multilingual materials, and education about voting procedures.

Over time, many democracies expanded suffrage to broader groups, such as eliminating property requirements, extending rights to women and racial minorities, and lowering or standardizing voting ages to 18. Today, voting is viewed as a fundamental aspect of citizenship in many states, with ongoing debates over voter access and electoral integrity.