Voting: important words to know
Easy Read by Innovate Trust
This is a guide to some of the words used when we talk about voting and democracy.
We all need to make our voices heard.
This is good for our wellbeing.
Making our voices heard also helps our communities.
Different ideas help make things better for everyone.
Ballot box
The box where voters put the ballot paper once they have filled it in.
It is locked so that no-one can see the papers until it is time to count them.
Polling booth
The private place to fill in your ballot paper so that you can keep your vote secret.
Casting a vote
Filling in the ballot paper to choose your candidate.
Polling card
If you are voting in person you will get a polling card in the post.
It tells you what to do on polling day.
Electoral register
A list of names of people who are allowed to vote at an election. This list is kept by each local council.
You must be on this list to be able to vote at elections.
Electoral Commission
The independent organisation that makes sure elections are fair.
Police and Crime Commissioner
The elected head of the police force who makes sure the money is spent properly.
Democracy
When everybody has a vote at an election.
These votes decide who will run the government or council.
Election day
The day when an election is held.
All votes have to be made or received by this date.
Constituency
A group of voters in a certain place.
For example, the constituency of Pontypridd covers all the voters who live there.
General Election
An election when every constituency in the country votes for Members of Parliament to represent them in the House of Commons in Westminster.
Manifesto
A manifesto is a special political report which says what each political party promises to do if they win at the election.
Ballot paper
A form with the names of all the candidates who want to be elected in your area.
Voting Passport
A form that you can complete and show staff at the polling station.
It can be easier and more private than explaining your support needs in front of other people.
Vote
A vote is a special kind of decision where you choose between two or more candidates or two or more things.
Postal vote
A way of voting where you fill in the ballot paper at home and send it to the council before election day.
Proxy vote
A way of voting where a trusted friend votes for you at the polling station on election day.
Voter Authority Certificate
You can apply for one of these if you do not have any suitable photo ID.
Candidate
A person who wants to be elected to represent a local community.
Photo identification (ID)
A new rule for General Elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections where you need to prove your identity if you vote in person.
