Australian ballot

American  

noun

1. a ballot containing the names of all the candidates for public office, handed to the voter at the polling station to be marked in secret: so called because it originated in Australia.

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Etymology

Origin of Australian ballot

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Despite this resistance, the Australian ballot was adopted by the turn of the century, marking the beginning of watershed election reform measures as well as the demise of freewheeling ballot design.

From Slate • Feb. 29, 2020

In Montpelier, the resolution passed via Australian ballot, 1,715 to 500.

From Washington Times • Mar. 9, 2018

As well as speaking up personally on the question of same-sex marriage, Mr Joyce has encouraged other business leaders to join him in campaigning for a "yes" vote in the Australian ballot.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2017

For example, the secret ballot, sometimes called the Australian ballot, was first used in Australia in the 1850s.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

It was long before the days of the Australian ballot and more or less bogus tickets were in circulation at every election.

From Collection of Nebraska Pioneer Reminiscences by Daughters of the American Revolution. Nebraska