To choose someone for a position or office by voting. It can also mean simply to choose or decide between options.
From Latin 'eligere' meaning 'to pick out, choose,' from 'e-' (out) + 'legere' (to pick, gather). Through Old French 'elire' and Middle English, the word narrowed especially to choosing leaders or officials.
The same root that gives us 'elect' also gives us 'eligible' and 'election'—they're all about being picked out from a group. When you 'elect' someone, you're literally 'reading them out' from the crowd, like picking a name from a list. Politics is built into the very grammar of this word family.
The process of electing leaders historically excluded women and many marginalized groups from both voting and standing for office. Language around who is 'electable' has often reflected gender bias, questioning women’s viability as candidates.
When discussing who to elect or who is 'electable,' be aware of and challenge assumptions that leadership or authority defaults to men.
["choose","select (by vote)","vote in"]
In accounts of elections, highlight the struggles and achievements of women and gender‑diverse candidates and voters who expanded democratic participation.
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