Absentee voting
Absentee voting allows eligible voters to cast their ballots in an election without being physically present at a polling station.
Abstentionism
Abstentionism refers to the deliberate choice by eligible voters to refrain from participating in an election or vote.
Academic Senate
The Academic Senate is a governing body within academic institutions that is responsible for making decisions on academic matters.
Accessibility
Accessibility in voting refers to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of disabilities, can participate in the voting process.
Active voters
Active voters are individuals who have the right and are registered to vote in a particular election.
Active voting rights
Active voting rights refer to the eligibility of individuals to cast their vote in an election.
Agenda
An agenda outlines the items or topics to be discussed and acted upon during a meeting or assembly.
Annual General Meeting
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a mandatory yearly gathering of an organization’s members, where important decisions are made.
Area administrator
This is the main user, the one who has the role of managing any voting matter. The area administrator has the access to all data and all features active in their area.
Specifically, it can set up and conduct elections, assign proxies, enable and disable users, customize the voting area, and can view all events in the tenant and archive. It can also create the other users, like Event Manager, Observer, Accreditor.
Specifically, it can set up and conduct elections, assign proxies, enable and disable users, customize the voting area, and can view all events in the tenant and archive. It can also create the other users, like Event Manager, Observer, Accreditor.
Assembly
An assembly is a gathering of people, typically for decision-making purposes, such as voting or discussing organizational matters.
Association
An association is an organization formed for a specific purpose, typically involving members with common interests.
Audit trails
Audit trails are records of actions taken within a system, providing a history of activities and changes, often for security or compliance purposes.
Ballot
A ballot is a process or form used by voters to cast their vote in an election.
Ballot box
A ballot box is a container used to collect and store ballots during an election, ensuring secure and anonymous voting.
Blank ballot
A blank ballot refers to a voting ballot that is left unsigned or unmarked, typically considered as an invalid vote.
Board of directors
The board of directors is a group of individuals elected to represent shareholders and oversee the activities and operations of a company.
Board of Regents
The Board of Regents is a governing body typically found in academic institutions, responsible for the institution’s overall management and policies.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is a group of individuals responsible for overseeing the management and strategic direction of an organization, often a non-profit or educational institution.
Bylaws
Bylaws are rules and regulations established by an organization or association to govern its operations and member conduct.
Candidates
Candidates are individuals who stand for election to a particular office or position within an organization or government.
Civil Code
The Civil Code is a collection of laws that regulate the private rights and obligations of individuals, covering areas like contracts, property, and family law.
Closed List Method
The Closed List Method is a voting system where voters select a party list, and the seats are allocated to the candidates based on the order of the list.
Co-management
Co-management involves sharing responsibilities and decision-making between different groups, often in the context of organizations or governmental bodies.
Common Criteria
Common Criteria is an international standard used to evaluate the security of information technology products and systems.
Congress
A congress is a formal meeting or assembly of representatives to discuss, deliberate, and make decisions on important matters.
Constituency
A constituency is a group of voters in a particular area who elect a representative to a legislative body.
Constitution
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed.
Constitutive quorum
Constitutive quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to be present in order for a meeting or decision-making process to be valid.
Cooptation
Cooptation is the process by which new members are appointed or elected to a committee, board, or other governing body without an election.
Corporate offices
Corporate offices are the primary headquarters of a company where senior executives and management typically work.
Cryptography
Cryptography is the practice of securing communication and data through the use of codes and encryption techniques to prevent unauthorized access.
D’Hondt Method
The D’Hondt Method is a mathematical formula used to allocate seats in proportional representation systems, often used in elections.
Data Protection
Data protection refers to practices and policies aimed at safeguarding personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Deliberative Assembly
A deliberative assembly is a meeting where members engage in discussion, debate, and decision-making, often with a focus on consensus building.
Deliberative Democracy
Deliberative democracy is a form of democracy in which decision-making is based on discussion and reasoning among citizens, rather than mere voting.
Deliberative quorum
Deliberative quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to engage in discussions and make decisions in a deliberative democracy.
Democracy
Democracy is a system of government in which the citizens exercise power by voting to elect their representatives or make direct decisions.
Democratic control
Democratic control refers to the process of ensuring that decisions and policies are made by elected representatives or through direct democratic participation.
Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship refers to responsible and ethical behavior while using technology and the internet, including participating in online voting and other digital activities.
Digital Democracy
Digital democracy refers to the use of digital technologies to enhance and facilitate democratic processes, such as voting and public engagement.
Digital Economy Act
The Digital Economy Act is a law that regulates and encourages the development of the digital economy, including the use of technology for democratic processes.
Digital key
A digital key is an encrypted form of authentication used in digital systems to ensure security and authorized access.
Digital voting
Digital voting is the process of casting votes electronically using online platforms, enhancing convenience and accessibility for voters.
Digitization
Digitization refers to converting information into a digital format to enable easier storage, retrieval, and processing using electronic systems.
Direct Democracy
Direct democracy is a form of democracy where citizens participate directly in decision-making, rather than electing representatives.
Disengaged voters
Disengaged voters are eligible individuals who do not participate in elections or internal votes due to barriers like apathy, lack of access, or distrust in the process.
Disjointed Proxy
Disjointed proxy ensures each delegated vote maintains its unique identity and conditions.
E-democracy
E-democracy is the use of digital tools and technology to enable democratic participation and governance, such as online voting or digital debates.
E-Government Act
The E-Government Act is legislation aimed at improving the delivery of government services through digital technology and enhancing online engagement with citizens.
E-inclusion
E-inclusion refers to efforts to ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, are able to access and participate in digital platforms and services.
Election
An election is a formal process in which voters select candidates to hold office or make decisions on specific issues.
Election Broglio
Election broglio refers to a situation in which an election is marred by controversy, such as irregularities or accusations of fraud.
Electoral Census
The electoral census is a list or register of individuals eligible to vote in a particular election or voting event.
Election Commission
The Election Commission is an independent body responsible for overseeing and ensuring the fairness and integrity of elections.
Election Law
Election law is a body of rules that govern how elections are conducted, including voter eligibility, election procedures, and the conduct of candidates.
Election list
An election list is a list of candidates or issues presented for voting in an election.
Election Management in Full-Outsourcing
Election management in full outsourcing refers to the practice of delegating the entire management and logistics of an election to an external service provider.
Election Management in Self-service
Election management in self-service allows organizations or voters to manage aspects of the election process independently through digital tools and platforms.
Election Observer
The observer can view all the data in the voting area but cannot actively manage the ballots or change data and settings. This role is generally given to committee members to enable them to monitor turnouts and/or check that the data is correct. It can, however, regenerate a voter’s credentials and download reports (if allowed by the organization’s regulations).
Electoral mandate
An electoral mandate refers to the authority granted to elected representatives by the electorate to carry out their duties during their term in office.
Electoral reform
Electoral reform refers to changes made to the electoral system, often aimed at improving fairness, accessibility, or efficiency in elections.
Electoral system
The electoral system is the method used to conduct elections, including how votes are cast, counted, and how representatives are chosen.
Electronic identification
Electronic identification refers to the use of digital methods to verify the identity of individuals, typically for secure online transactions or voting.
Electronic voting
Electronic voting, or e-voting, allows individuals to cast their votes electronically, either online or through other digital systems.
End-to-end traceability
End-to-end traceability in voting systems ensures that every step of the voting process can be tracked and verified, providing transparency and security.
E-participation
E-participation refers to the use of digital tools to engage citizens in decision-making processes, such as online voting or digital forums for discussions.
European Works Council
A European Works Council is a body that represents employees across multiple European countries, focusing on transnational issues within a company.
Evoting
Evoting refers to the use of electronic systems to facilitate the casting, recording, and counting of votes in an election.
Exchange vote (also known as Vote swapping or Vote pairing)
Exchange vote is a term used for a voting mechanism where votes can be exchanged or transferred among voters based on specific conditions.
Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is a special meeting called outside the regular meeting schedule to address urgent or extraordinary matters.
FPTP (First-Past-The-Post)
FPTP is an electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins the election, even if they do not have an overall majority.
Freedom of Information Act
The Freedom of Information Act is a law that grants the public the right to access information held by government bodies, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Freshman
A freshman is a person in their first year of study or membership in an organization, such as a student in high school or college.
Governing bodies
Governing bodies are groups or committees responsible for overseeing the activities and policies of an organization or institution.
Governing Council
A governing council is a body responsible for making key decisions and overseeing the management of an organization or institution.
Hare Method
The Hare Method is a proportional representation system used in elections, where votes are redistributed to achieve fair representation.
Homeowners associations (HOAs)
Homeowners associations are organizations in residential communities that manage common areas, enforce rules, and make decisions affecting property owners.
Hybrid voting system
A hybrid voting system combines different types of voting methods, such as a mix of electronic and paper-based voting systems, to achieve a fair and efficient process.
Imperfect Bicameralism
Imperfect Bicameralism refers to a system where a legislative body has two chambers, but they do not have perfectly equal power or functions.
Institutional positions
Institutional positions refer to official roles or titles within an organization, such as executive or managerial positions.
I-voting
I-voting, or internet voting, refers to casting votes via the internet, allowing people to participate in elections remotely and securely.
Jointed proxy
Jointed proxy allows multiple individuals to delegate their voting rights to a single representative.
Liquid Democracy system
Liquid Democracy is a hybrid voting system combining direct and representative democracy, where individuals can delegate their vote to others.
List ballot
A list ballot presents a list of candidates or parties for voters to choose from, often used in proportional representation voting systems.
Local Council elections
Local Council elections are elections for local governing bodies, such as city or town councils, that make decisions affecting local communities.
Local elections
Local elections are elections for positions within local government, such as mayors or councilors, often focused on municipal issues.
Membership Assembly
A membership assembly is a gathering of members of an organization, where decisions are made, and leadership is elected or appointed.
Mobile Voting
Mobile voting enables individuals to cast their votes through mobile applications, providing a convenient and accessible voting method.
Motion vote
A motion vote is a vote taken on a proposal or motion during a meeting, typically used to approve decisions or actions.
Mutual insurance companies
Mutual insurance companies are organizations that provide insurance to their members, where the policyholders are also the owners.
National Committee
A National Committee is a body responsible for overseeing political party activities at the national level, such as organizing campaigns or conventions.
National Congress
A National Congress is a legislative body representing a nation, typically consisting of elected representatives who pass laws and make decisions on national matters.
Nonprofit Association
A nonprofit association is an organization formed for purposes other than profit-making, typically focused on social, charitable, or educational goals.
Online budget approval
Online budget approval is a digital process in which stakeholders vote to approve or reject a proposed budget via an online platform.
Online neighborhood councils
Online neighborhood councils allow residents of a specific area to participate in community decision-making and governance through online platforms.
Online voting
Online voting refers to the process of casting votes through the internet, allowing people to vote remotely in elections or decision-making processes.
Open voting
Open voting is a voting system where voters’ choices are publicly recorded, allowing for transparency but potentially less privacy.
OTP – One time password
One Time Password (OTP) is a secure, temporary password used for authentication, often in conjunction with other security measures.
Parent-teacher associations (PTAs)
Parent-teacher associations are organizations that bring together parents and teachers to discuss and support educational issues and initiatives.
Participatory budgeting
Participatory budgeting is a democratic process in which citizens are directly involved in deciding how public funds should be allocated.
Participatory Democracy
Participatory democracy emphasizes active involvement of citizens in political decision-making, beyond just voting in elections.
Passive voting rights
Passive voting rights refer to the eligibility to be elected or appointed to office, rather than the right to vote in elections.
Pastoral Councils
Pastoral councils are groups within religious organizations that provide guidance on spiritual and administrative matters.
Pension funds
Pension funds are financial institutions that manage retirement savings for individuals, often providing income during retirement.
People’s Initiative Law
The People’s Initiative Law allows citizens to propose legislation or reforms by collecting a certain number of signatures to trigger the legislative process.
Perfect Bicameralism
Perfect bicameralism refers to a system where both chambers of a legislature have equal power and functions.
Petition
A petition is a formal written request signed by multiple individuals, typically aimed at influencing policy or requesting action from authorities.
Polling station
A polling station is a physical location where voters go to cast their ballots during an election.
Popular consultation
A popular consultation is a public referendum or vote where citizens are asked to express their opinion on specific issues or policies.
Professional Association
A professional association is an organization that represents individuals within a specific profession, typically focused on advocacy and professional development.
Property owners associations (POAs)
Property owners associations are organizations that manage and oversee residential or commercial properties, often focusing on maintenance and regulations.
Proportional Division Method (or Modified Hare Method)
The Proportional Division Method is a voting system used to allocate seats in elections based on the proportion of votes received by each party or candidate.
Proportional system
The proportional system is an electoral system that aims to allocate seats in proportion to the number of votes received by each party or candidate.
Protest vote
A protest vote is a vote cast as a form of dissent or opposition, often to express dissatisfaction with the available candidates or political system.
Proxy voting
Proxy voting allows individuals to delegate their vote to another person who will cast it on their behalf in an election or decision-making process.
Qr code
A QR code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can store information, often used in electronic voting systems for quick identification or authentication.
Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue, often used to decide important national or local matters.
Register of those eligible to vote
The register of those eligible to vote is a list of individuals who are registered to participate in an election or vote in a specific jurisdiction.
Regulations
Regulations are rules or laws established by authorities or governing bodies to control activities within a specific area, such as elections or organizations.
Remote voting
Remote voting allows individuals to vote from a location other than a polling station, often using digital or electronic means.
Resolution
A resolution is a formal decision made by a legislative body, committee, or assembly, typically addressing specific issues or policy matters.
Sabbatical officers
Sabbatical officers are elected student leaders in universities who take time off from their studies to focus on representing students and leading student organizations.
Sainte-Laguë Method
The Sainte-Laguë Method is a mathematical formula used in proportional representation electoral systems to allocate seats to parties based on the number of votes they receive.
Scalability
Scalability refers to the ability of a system or process to handle increased loads or expand as needed, such as accommodating more voters in an election system.
Secret ballot
A secret ballot is a voting method in which the identity of the voter and their vote are kept confidential, ensuring privacy and preventing intimidation.
Shibboleth
A Shibboleth is a form of authentication used in digital systems, often linked to identity federation systems, allowing secure access to resources.
Single sign-on (SSO)
Single sign-on (SSO) is an authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications or services with a single set of login credentials.
Sophomore
A sophomore is a second-year student in an educational program, such as high school or college.
Spoiled ballot
A spoiled ballot is a ballot that has been improperly completed or invalidated, meaning it cannot be counted in the election results.
Strong Authentication
Strong authentication refers to the use of multiple factors to verify a user’s identity, typically combining something they know (e.g., a password) and something they have (e.g., a smartphone).
Survey
A survey is a method of collecting data or opinions from a group of people, often used to gauge public sentiment or inform decision-making.
Telematic voting
Telematic voting allows individuals to vote remotely via digital or telecommunications systems, such as the internet or phone.
Trade Union
A trade union is an organization that represents workers in negotiations with employers over issues like wages, working conditions, and benefits.
Turnout
Turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who actually participate in an election or voting process.
Unique voter identification
Unique voter identification involves using a distinct identifier, such as a digital ID or biometric data, to ensure that each voter can only vote once in an election.
Universal Suffrage
Universal suffrage is the right of all adult citizens to vote in elections, regardless of gender, race, or social status.
Vote counting
Vote counting is the process of tallying and recording the votes cast during an election to determine the result.
Voter identification
Voter identification refers to the process of verifying the identity of a voter before they can cast their vote, often requiring ID cards or biometric data.
Voters
Voters are individuals who are eligible to participate in an election or voting process, either by casting a vote or representing others.
Voting app
A voting app is a software application designed to facilitate the voting process, allowing users to cast their votes electronically from their devices.
Voting booth
A voting booth is a private space where voters can mark their ballots without being observed, ensuring their vote is confidential.
Voting characteristics
Voting characteristics refer to the key features and behaviors related to the voting process, such as voter turnout, preferences, and patterns.
Voting credentials
Voting credentials are the authentication methods or tokens used to verify a voter’s identity and eligibility before they cast a vote.
Voting dashboard
A voting dashboard is a tool that displays real-time voting data and results, providing transparency during an election.
Voting fraud
Voting fraud refers to illegal or unethical activities that manipulate or interfere with the voting process, often to alter election results.
Voting machine
A voting machine is an electronic device used to record and count votes in an election, providing faster and more accurate results.
Voting rights in the United States
Explore the history, challenges, and future of voting rights in the United States.
Voting system
A voting system is a method by which votes are cast, counted, and recorded during an election, such as paper ballots or electronic voting.
Weighted voting
Weighted voting allows some votes to have more influence than others, based on factors such as population size or the number of shares held.
Zero-paper voting
Zero-paper voting refers to a completely digital voting process, eliminating the need for paper ballots or paper records.
Online voting glossary: learn more about online voting systems
This glossary is part of our broader commitment to demystify online and electronic voting. We believe that understanding the fundamental concepts and technologies behind digital democratic processes is crucial for fostering trust and adoption. From comprehending how secure authentication works to navigating the intricate legal terms that govern digital assemblies, our resources are meticulously designed for both beginners seeking clarity and seasoned professionals aiming for deeper insights.
At Eligo, we recognize that a clear grasp of this specialized terminology is not merely academic; it is essential for the successful organization and management of any digital electoral process. Whether you’re tasked with organizing a critical corporate election, overseeing a large-scale university vote across multiple campuses, or managing a nuanced board decision that requires precision and compliance, the language of online voting underpins every strategic choice.
Eligo stands at the forefront of this evolution, combining cutting-edge voting technology with a user-first experience. Our platforms are engineered to transform complex technical and legal requirements into intuitive and secure solutions. We don’t just facilitate votes; we empower organizations to conduct transparent, accessible, and legally compliant digital assemblies that truly reflect the will of their participants.
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