Ballottable

/bəˈlɒtəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be voted on or subject to a formal voting process, especially in organizational or political contexts.

Etymology

From French 'ballot' (small ball used in voting) plus English suffix '-able' (capable of). The practice of voting with colored balls dates to ancient Greece and evolved into the modern secret ballot system.

Kelly Says

In ancient Athens, citizens used black and white pebbles to vote—black for yes, white for no—which is why we call it a 'ballot' today, a word literally meaning 'little ball.' The concept of making something 'ballottable' traces back thousands of years to this ancient democratic practice.

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