hääletama

Hääletama is an Estonian verb meaning to cast a vote or to vote in an election or referendum. It refers to participating in a decision-making process by selecting a candidate, a party, or an option and recording one’s choice in a ballot. The act can take place in physical polling stations or through other approved voting methods.

The word is formed from hääl, meaning vote or voice, with the infinitive suffix -ta. In everyday language it is used to describe taking part in democratic processes. Common forms include ma hääletan (I vote), ta hääletas (he/she voted), and nad hääletasid (they voted). The noun form hääletamine denotes the act of voting.

In Estonian discourse, hääletama covers participation in parliamentary, local government elections, referendums, and other votes. It is also widely used in discussions of voting methods, such as e-hääletamine (electronic voting) and i-voting practices that Estonia has developed. Phrases related to the act of voting may describe abstaining or invalid ballots, but such nuances are typically expressed with additional context rather than through the verb alone.

Hääletamine plays a central role in Estonian civic life and democratic processes. The term appears in media, official election materials, and everyday conversation, reflecting the importance placed on individual participation in collective decision-making.

See also: hääl, hääletamine, valimised, referendum, e-hääletamine.