Election vocabulary
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Here’s just a selection of some of the terms you will currently see and hear in the media as ‘Election Fever’ takes to the world stage!
ballot – another word for vote |
canvass – drum up support for the Party |
deficit – the amount by which a sum of money is too small |
constituency – the area represented by an MP |
safe seat – a constituency where the holding Party has a big lead to defend |
landslide – an election where one Party wins by a very large margin |
lobby – to try and influence voters |
exit poll – a poll where voters are asked for whom they voted after they have left the polling station |
candidate – someone who puts themself forward for election |
lame duck – a candidate with no chance of winning |
front runner – a candidate currently with a majority in the polls |
absentee ballot – a vote cast by someone who can’t reach a polling station (usually votes by post or proxy) |
coalition – two or more Parties who govern together because none of them has an overall majority |
swing voter – a voter who is undecided and can therefore vote either way |
ballot box -a sealed box with a slit into which voting papers are placed |
mud-slinging – derogatory comments made to besmirch the competition’s character or ability to lead |
incumbent – the person currently holding a particular office |
opinion poll – a survey asking people’s opinions |
dark horse – surprise winner whose success had not been predicted |
inaugurate – to formally establish someone in office |