ballot box

noun

1
: a box for receiving ballots
2
: ballot sense 2a
In a republic, reform had to come about through the ballot box rather than by force.—Mary Beth Norton et al.
see also:
stuff the ballot box

Examples of ballot box in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, Zelensky has floated the idea that such an election could take place only if Ukraine could be given a breather to safely send voters to the ballot box. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026 Hochul has emphasized Blakeman’s ties to Trump — mirroring much of the Democrats’ national strategy for the midterm elections — hoping the president’s dismal approval ratings help sink her Republican foe at the ballot box. — Sagar Meghani, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 The rapid buildout of data centers powering America’s artificial intelligence boom is heading to the ballot box this November, as voters across the country weigh measures that could shape where and how the massive facilities are built. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The vote comes amid a remarkable disconnect in Missouri, a state that elects Republicans but often supports progressive-leaning policies at the ballot box. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ballot box

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ballot box was circa 1677

Rhymes for ballot box

See All Rhymes for ballot box

Browse Nearby Words

ballotage
ballot box
balloter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ballot box.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballot%20box. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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