secret ballot

noun

1. a vote in which the confidentiality of how one votes is safeguarded.

2. Australian ballot.

Word History and Origins

Origin of secret ballot¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Under the proposal, members of Congress would have to give their approval - in a secret ballot - before a lawmaker could be charged or arrested.

From BBC

Under the old rules, farmworkers voted on union representation by secret ballot at a polling site designated by the state labor board, typically on employer property.

From Los Angeles Times

Some 82 lawmakers took part in the secret ballot, 44 of whom voted for Oyun-Erdene, while 38 voted against him.

From BBC

During an interview with BBC Scotland News he showed off the neat brown rectangular voting paper to be used in the secret ballot.

From BBC

There's speculation aplenty as to which MPs, in the secret ballot, didn't back Merz on the first round - and why.

From BBC

Related Words

• ballot 
• choice 
• majority 
• poll 
• referendum 
• tally