hääletada

Hääletada is an Estonian verb meaning to cast a vote in an election or other decision-making process, or to express a preference by ballot. The action is central to democratic processes, enabling individuals to support or oppose candidates, measures, or proposals. The related noun hääl refers to a vote or a voice; the two concepts are closely linked in everyday language.

The verb is used in contexts ranging from political elections to corporate or organizational meetings. In elections, people hääletavad to choose representatives or decide on referendums. In meetings, participants hääletavad on resolutions or proposals. The typical constructions are hääletama poolt (for) and hääletama vastu (against). For example: "Ma hääletan" (I vote) and "Ta hääletas kandidaadi poolt" (He/She voted for the candidate).

The word is formed from the root hääl with a regular Estonian verb pattern; it conjugates in the present tense as: ma hääletan, sa hääletad, ta hääletab, me hääletame, te hääletate, nad hääletavad. The past and future tenses follow standard Estonian conjugation rules.

In Estonia, hääletamine typically occurs within the framework of election legislation and related regulations; the term is also used in other contexts with the sense of casting a vote or deciding by vote. The concept is central to both public elections and private organizations, reflecting the importance of individual participation in decision-making.