Language to talk about voting
What language can we use to talk about voting?
Over the last couple of videos and articles, you will have noticed several words and phrases to do with voting.
For example:
You needed to own property if you wanted to stand for parliament.
If you stand for parliament, it means that you become a candidate for parliament. You put yourself forward so that people can have the chance to vote for you. If you win enough votes, you will then become an elected member of parliament.
Would you ever consider standing for parliament?
In 1872, the Ballot Act introduced secret ballots so that voters would not feel under pressure to vote a certain way.
A secret ballot describes a way of voting secretly. Why do you think it might be important to vote in this way?
In 1867 the Parliamentary Reform Act increased the electorate to almost 2.5 million.
The electorate is the term used to describe the people who can vote. Don’t get this confused with the word election!
Election is the word used to describe the process of people choosing who they want to represent them in government. The electorate have the chance to elect their members of parliament in an election.
Reach your personal and professional goals
Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.
Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.
