äänestyskoppi

An äänestyskoppi, or polling booth, is a private enclosure used by voters at a polling station during an election. Its primary purpose is to ensure the secrecy of the ballot, allowing individuals to cast their vote without anyone else observing their choice. These booths are typically small, often curtained or walled spaces, designed to provide a degree of isolation.

Inside the äänestyskoppi, a voter receives their ballot paper. They then mark their preferred candidate or option privately. After marking the ballot, it is folded and deposited into a ballot box, maintaining the anonymity of the vote. The design of polling booths can vary, but the core function remains the same: to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process by protecting voter privacy.

The use of polling booths is a fundamental aspect of democratic elections worldwide, reinforcing the principle of one person, one vote, and ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise freely and without coercion. This privacy is considered essential for a fair and transparent election.