An organized event where people vote to choose leaders or decide on important issues. It usually happens on a set date and follows specific rules.
From Latin 'electionem' meaning 'a choosing out,' from 'eligere' (to pick out). It came into English through Old French 'election' in religious and political contexts. Over time, it became strongly associated with political voting.
Originally, 'election' was also a religious word about being 'chosen by God,' not just chosen by voters. That double meaning—divine choice and public choice—shows how power used to be seen as coming from heaven as much as from people. Today, we mostly keep the political side and forget the spiritual echo hidden in the word.
Elections in many countries historically excluded women and gender minorities from voting and candidacy, and even after legal inclusion, structural and cultural barriers have limited their representation. Narratives about elections have often centered male candidates and voters.
When discussing elections, explicitly note which groups have been included or excluded over time and how gender representation looks among candidates and officeholders.
["vote","electoral process","polling"]
In election histories and analyses, recognize the organizing work of women and marginalized groups in expanding suffrage and representation, not just the formal legal changes.
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