voting

Voting is the process by which eligible members of a political community express their choices in elections and referenda. In democratic systems, voting determines who holds public office, how representation is allocated, and which policies may be pursued. Elections occur at local, regional, and national levels and may be regular or on occasion of specific referenda.

Voting systems vary. Plurality, or first-past-the-post, gives seats to the candidate with the most votes. Majority systems require more than half and may use a second round. Ranked-choice voting lets voters rank candidates, with transfers determining winners. Proportional representation allocates seats in proportion to share of votes, often used in multi-member districts. Mixed systems combine elements of these approaches.

Eligibility and participation: suffrage is the right to vote. Most countries require a minimum age, citizenship, and residency. Some groups may be disqualified or restricted (for example, due to criminal convictions, disability, or administrative issues). Voter registration is common, with variations in automatic vs. voluntary registration. Access considerations include plain-language ballots, language accessibility, accommodations for disabilities, and alternative voting methods such as early voting or absentee/mail ballots.

Voting process: voters cast ballots at polling places or remotely, depending on the system. Ballots are counted and results are certified; many jurisdictions conduct audits or recounts to verify accuracy and integrity.

History and context: over time many states expanded suffrage from property or gender-based restrictions to universal adult suffrage. Ongoing debates address participation, accessibility, and security, including measures to protect ballot secrecy, prevent fraud, and ensure trusted electoral processes.