Terms Glossary

Definition and meaning of ballot access: Ballot access refers to the legal process by which candidates and political parties qualify to have their names included on the ballot in an election.

This procedural element is a fundamental part of the democratic process, as it determines which candidates and parties can present themselves to voters and participate in the electoral competition. The requirements for gaining ballot access vary by jurisdiction and may include the collection of a certain number of petition signatures, payment of filing fees, and compliance with various regulatory criteria.

These requirements can present challenges, particularly for independent and third-party candidates, who may encounter more rigorous hurdles compared to those affiliated with the two major political parties in the United States. At the federal level, the Democratic and Republican parties have established ballot access rules that can reinforce their position in the electoral process, potentially limiting competition. Some observers suggest that this may restrict the representation of alternative viewpoints.

Proponents of electoral reform advocate for revising the ballot access process to ensure broader inclusivity and fairness. By adjusting the barriers to entry, the political system could potentially accommodate a wider range of candidates, enhancing the representativeness of the democratic process.

Learn more about efforts to reform ballot access laws on our blog.

Definition and meaning of ballot chasing: Ballot chasing, also known as "ballot harvesting," is a political practice involving the collection and submission of absentee or mail-in ballots by individuals other than the voter. While the specifics can vary by jurisdiction, this process typically involves party operatives, volunteers, or activists who collect completed ballots from voters to submit them to election officials.

The practice is controversial and subject to varying legal regulations across different regions. Proponents argue that ballot chasing helps increase voter turnout, particularly among groups who might find it challenging to submit their ballots themselves, such as the elderly, disabled, or those living in remote areas. It's seen as a way to ensure that every vote is counted and can be particularly useful in large-scale elections where the volume of mail-in ballots is significant.

Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential for fraud and manipulation. They argue that allowing third parties to handle ballots could lead to undue influence over voters' choices, loss or tampering of ballots, and challenges in verifying the authenticity of the votes. As such, some jurisdictions have strict laws limiting or entirely prohibiting the practice of ballot chasing, requiring voters to mail or submit their ballots personally.

Definition and meaning of ballot fatigue: Ballot fatigue refers to the phenomenon where voters become overwhelmed and fatigued by the number of choices on the ballot, which in turn may lead to decreased voter turnout or a lower likelihood of casting a vote for certain candidates or measures. Ballot fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a large number of candidates running for office, a large number of measures on the ballot, or a lengthy ballot that takes a long time to complete.

Ballot fatigue can also be caused by the cognitive effort required to evaluate each candidate and measure. Research shows that when presented with too many options, individuals tend to experience decision paralysis and a decreased ability to evaluate each option effectively. This can lead to a higher likelihood of not voting or making a decision based on heuristics, such as a candidate's name recognition or party affiliation, rather than the candidate's qualifications or policy positions.

This phenomenon can also be exacerbated by a lack of information about the candidates and measures on the ballot. This can lead voters to feel overwhelmed by the number of choices and uncertain about how to make an informed decision.

Ballot fatigue can also be a problem in elections with many independent and third-party candidates. When there are many candidates running for a single office, it can be difficult for voters to differentiate between them and make an informed choice. This can lead to fewer votes for any one candidate, and potentially result in a candidate winning with a small percentage of the vote.

In conclusion, ballot fatigue refers to the phenomenon where voters become overwhelmed by the number of choices on the ballot, leading to decreased voter turnout or a lower likelihood of casting a vote for certain candidates or measures. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a large number of candidates or measures on the ballot, the cognitive effort required to evaluate each option, and lack of information about the candidates and measures.

Definition and meaning of ballot harvesting: Ballot harvesting is a process in which political campaigns or third parties collect and submit absentee ballots on behalf of voters. This practice, which has been increasingly used in recent elections, aims to increase voter turnout by assisting those who may have difficulty submitting their ballots, such as the elderly, disabled, or those with limited access to polling places. However, ballot harvesting also has the potential to be abused, leading to concerns about voter fraud and ballot tampering.

To ensure fair elections, it is crucial to have stringent regulations in place for ballot harvesting. These regulations might include requirements that all collected ballots be dropped off at official polling locations, that the chain of custody for ballots be meticulously tracked, and that third-party collectors be registered and verified by the state. Such measures help to maintain the integrity of the election process and protect against potential abuses.

Examples of ballot harvesting include campaigns sending canvassers door-to-door to collect absentee ballots or encouraging voters to drop off their ballots at campaign offices rather than  at official polling locations. While these practices can help increase participation, they must be carefully monitored to prevent misuse.

Definition and meaning of ballot measure: A ballot measure is a law, issue, or topic that is put on a ballot for voters to vote on its passage or rejection. Ballot measures can range from simple questions, such as whether to raise taxes, to more complicated questions like changing the voting system. Examples of ballot measures include the passage of a new law, the repeal of an existing law, the creation of a new tax, or the amendment of an existing law. 

Generally, there are three types of ballot measures: initiatives, referendums, and recalls:

• Initiatives allow citizens to propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution, which are then placed on the ballot after a sufficient number of signatures is gathered. 

• Referendums provide voters the opportunity to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature, serving as a check on legislative power. 

• Recalls enable voters to remove elected officials from office before their term ends, ensuring accountability and responsiveness from public servants.

The process of getting a measure on the ballot varies by state but typically involves collecting a requisite number of signatures from registered voters within a specified timeframe. This process ensures that the measure has significant public support before it is presented for a vote. Ballot measures contribute to direct democracy by allowing citizens to directly shape public policy and hold their government accountable. 

Learn more about ballot initiatives and ballot measures on our blog.

Definition and meaning of ballot order: Ballot order is a system that determines the order in which candidates are listed on a ballot paper. It is a key factor in influencing the outcomes of elections, as it can provide an advantage to those candidates whose names appear at the top of the ballot.

The ballot order can be determined by a number of methods, including lotteries, alphabetical order, or by random selection. In order to maintain fairness and promote competitiveness, it is important that the ballot order is decided in a transparent and equitable manner. This can help to ensure that the order of the ballot does not give any candidate an undue advantage. Ballot order can also be used to promote diversity and representation, as it allows for the inclusion of candidates from different backgrounds and ideologies. This can help to foster a more inclusive and democratic electoral process.

Definition and meaning of bicameral: A bicameral legislature is a government body that is composed of two separate chambers or houses. This structure is rooted in the principle of checks and balances, to ensure that bills are thoroughly examined and debated before becoming law. In most bicameral systems, the two chambers have different functions, powers, and methods of representation.

For example, the U.S. Congress is a bicameral body that includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House, often referred to as the lower house, elects members based on individual states’ populations, as recorded after each U.S. census. States with larger populations have more representatives in the House. After the 2020 census, for example, Texas gained two House seats, and seven other states lost one seat each due to changes in their populations. 

The Senate, or upper house, provides equal representation for each state, regardless of population, with two senators per state. This structure was meant to allow smaller states to have an equal voice in the legislative process.

The lower chamber of Congress initiates legislation related to taxation and government spending, among other legislative proposals. Once approved in the House, bills are sent to the Senate for debate and voting, before being returned to the House for revisions or presented to the president for approval. 

Bicameral legislatures were designed to prevent hasty decision-making by requiring both chambers to agree on legislation before it can become law. Ideally, this process ensures that different perspectives are considered while reducing the likelihood of extreme or poorly considered policies. Only one U.S. state, Nebraska, has a unicameral legislative structure. 

However, the bicameral system has its drawbacks. For example, it can lead to gridlock when the two chambers cannot agree on legislation. Despite these challenges, bicameralism remains a key feature of many democratic systems worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and numerous other democracies.

Definition and meaning of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA): First introduced in 1997, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) was a piece of legislation passed in 2002 to reform campaign finance in the United States. The BCRA is also known as the McCain-Feingold Act. It amended the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by introducing new regulations on the financing of political campaigns and addressing the growing influence of money in politics.

One key provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act was the restriction on "soft money" contributions, which were previously used by establishment political parties for activities intended to influence elections without being directly tied to individual candidates. By banning these contributions, the BCRA aimed to reduce the potential for large donors and special interest groups to exert undue influence over the political process. It also helped independent candidates and minor parties by supporting public funding of elections and reducing the influence of the two major parties. 

The BCRA introduced regulations on "issue ads," also known as electioneering communications. These are political advertisements that mention a candidate's name but do not explicitly advocate for their election or defeat. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act required that such ads, if aired close to an election, be funded by regulated contributions rather than unregulated soft money. The BCRA also forbade activities like voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts if they were tied to a particular candidate. 

While the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act was successful in curbing certain forms of campaign finance abuse, its effectiveness has been diminished over time. For example, the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling declared parts of the act unconstitutional, thereby permitting unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations and unions. Despite these challenges, the BCRA remains a landmark effort in the ongoing struggle to create a fairer and more transparent campaign finance system in the United States.

Definition and meaning of bipartisanship: Bipartisanship is a term used to describe a situation in which two parties, often two political parties in a legislature, are able to work together collaboratively to come to a mutual agreement or resolution. Bipartisanship encourages compromise and the formation of consensus. It often results in legislation and policies that are more broadly accepted, although this can be difficult to achieve in a divided political climate. In the United States, bipartisanship is often difficult to achieve due to the highly divisive nature of the two-party system. At its core, bipartisanship is rooted in the belief that when people with different perspectives, opinions, and backgrounds come together to work on a common goal or issue, the result is often a better outcome than if any one of those groups were working alone. However, bipartisanship is not without its drawbacks. For instance, there is the potential that compromise and consensus-building can result in half-measures that do not fully address the problem at hand. Furthermore, bipartisanship can be challenged by a lack of trust between the two parties, or by the belief that one party has more power than the other. In order to move away from the two-party system and towards a more diverse political landscape, it is important to promote bipartisanship. This means that independent candidates, third-party candidates, and other groups should be included in the conversation and offered a seat at the table. In this way, we can create a political system that is more representative of the people, and one that is more likely to result in solutions that are beneficial to all.

Definition and meaning of blanket primary: A blanket primary is a type of primary election in which all candidates for a particular office, regardless of their party affiliation, appear on the same ballot. Voters in a blanket primary can choose candidates from different political parties for the selected office rather than being restricted to voting for candidates within a single party. However, only the top vote-getter from each participating party can advance to the general election. This system is designed to give voters more freedom and flexibility in their choices, potentially leading to higher voter turnout.

The blanket primary system has faced legal challenges. In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in California Democratic Party v. Jones that California's blanket primary system was unconstitutional. The Court found that the system violated political parties' First Amendment right of association by forcing them to allow non-members to participate in their candidate selection process.

Variations of the blanket primary, such as the "top-two" primary system, also known as “jungle primaries” or nonpartisan primaries, are used in states like Alaska, California, and Washington. However, the Washington State House has since modified that law under HB 1750. Voters in Alaska passed an initiative in 2020 that uses a “top-four” system in primaries and a ranked choice voting system for general elections in statewide and congressional races. 

These systems differ from blanket primaries in that all candidates appear on the same ballot, and the top two or four vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. 

The blanket primary system has both supporters and critics. Proponents argue that it encourages voter participation and competition because voters can choose the best candidates regardless of party affiliation. Blanket primaries also prevent cases of two candidates from the same party advancing to the general election, which can occur under top-two primary systems. Critics, however, contend that it can lead to vote splitting and weaken party loyalty, potentially resulting in less cohesive party platforms.

Learn more about blanket primaries and their impact on the electoral process on our blog.

Definition and meaning of board of elections: A board of elections is a government body responsible for administering and overseeing the electoral process within a specific geographic area. This includes tasks such as registering voters, maintaining accurate voter rolls, preparing and distributing ballots, and counting votes. The board of elections is also responsible for enforcing election laws and regulations, and may investigate and resolve any election-related disputes or complaints.

The composition of a board of elections varies depending on the state or municipality. In some cases, the board is made up of appointed officials or members of a particular political party. In other cases, the board is composed of elected officials or a combination of appointed and elected members. The board typically has a small staff that assist in carrying out the day-to-day functions of the board.

The board of elections plays an important role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. They must ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to register and vote, and that all votes are counted accurately. They must also work to prevent voter fraud and ensure that the rules are followed by all parties involved.

One of the key responsibilities of the Board of Elections is to ensure that all candidates have equal access to the ballot. This includes verifying the qualifications of candidates, ensuring that the candidates have met the required deadlines and filing fees, and ensuring that the candidate's names are listed on the ballot in a fair and impartial manner.

Definition and meaning of board of supervisors: A Board of Supervisors is an elected institution or body of representatives that oversees management at the local or county level. In the United States, these boards typically consist of five members elected by districts within their county. However, not all states have boards of supervisors for their counties. Currently, Arizona, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Virginia, Wisconsin, and some counties in New York have boards of supervisors. The states that lack a board of supervisors have alternatives, such as county commissions or county councils. 

Typical responsibilities of county supervisors include passing or repealing laws, approving county budgets, and overseeing county departments. In addition to these duties, county supervisors are often involved in intergovernmental relations, working with state and federal agencies to secure funding and support for local projects.

Definition and meaning of Bond Election: A Bond Election is a type of ballot measure in which voters decide whether to authorize a local government to issue bonds to pay for specific projects or services. It is typically used to fund public works projects such as roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. The money raised by the bond issue is usually repaid by raising taxes or other revenue sources. Bond elections are often held in conjunction with other elections, such as municipal or county elections. A Bond Election is a popular way to finance public works projects, as it allows voters to decide how their tax dollars are spent. It also allows the government to borrow money and repay it over time, which can be beneficial if the projects are expensive or the government lacks the funds to pay for them upfront. However, bond elections can be controversial as they often require taxpayers to pay for long-term projects that may not benefit them directly. In order to pass a Bond Election, a majority of voters must approve the ballot measure. This means that it is important for local governments to educate voters on the purpose and potential benefits of the projects before placing the measure on the ballot. Bond elections can also be used to fund public services, such as schools, hospitals, and parks, but their use for these types of projects often requires more extensive public outreach.

Definition and meaning of borough: A borough is a type of administrative division found in several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and others. In the United States, the term "borough" is mainly used in New York City. New York City is divided into five areas called boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each borough is like its own mini-city, with its own local government and services, but they are all part of the bigger New York City government. Each of these five areas in New York City helps manage local issues.

The term "borough" harks back to medieval times, when the term referred to fortified towns, which were crucial to local governance and commerce. Across the world, the concept of a borough, while varying in specifics, generally captures the essence of localized governance. It represents a commitment to ensuring that even within larger administrative units, smaller communities have the representation and mechanisms they need to address their unique needs.

Definition and meaning of bureaucracy: Bureaucracy is a system of government in which many important decisions are made or carried out by state officials rather than by elected representatives. This administrative framework is characterized by a hierarchical structure, fixed rules, and a clear division of labor. 

Bureaucracies are often essential for managing complex societies, providing continuity, and implementing policies effectively. However, this system of government is often criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, as well as for its tendency to entrench the interests of the powerful. Critics argue that this can create an environment resistant to change and may lead to inefficiencies and delays due to rigid procedures and regulations.

Despite these criticisms, bureaucracies play a crucial role in modern governance by ensuring that the day-to-day operations of government and public services are carried out systematically. Examples of bureaucracy within the United States include the Social Security Administration (SSA), which manages social insurance programs, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which oversees tax collection and enforcement. These institutions demonstrate the functions of bureaucracies in implementing and maintaining essential services and regulations within a structured framework.

Definition and meaning of butterfly ballot: A butterfly ballot is a type of ballot where the names of candidates, initiatives, or referendums are printed on two facing pages, resembling the wings of a butterfly. This type of ballot can be challenging for voters to understand, especially when there is a long list of candidates. It can be difficult for voters to determine how to correctly vote for the party, candidate, or position they want to support. 

In 2000, butterfly ballots led to controversy in the U.S. presidential election in Florida, as butterfly ballots were found to potentially have an impact on the outcome of the election. On the ballot, the rows voters used to mark their choices were not aligned with the row of the corresponding candidate. As a result, some voters accidentally voted for the wrong candidate. Since then, several states have moved away from using butterfly ballots and have implemented other voting systems. 

The case of butterfly ballots is a good example of how poor design and subpar voting systems can have a direct impact on the integrity of elections.