Definition of ballot box

The word "ballot box" originated during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. In French, the word for ballot or voting slip is "billet," and the word for box is "boîte." Combining these two words, the French coined the phrase "boîte à billets" to describe the container used to collect and protect the votes cast by citizens. The concept of a secret ballot, where a voter's choices were private, began to gain popularity during this time. The use of marked paper ballots, which were folded and deposited into the ballot box, allowed for this secret voting process. The first recorded use of the English term "ballot box" appeared in the late 19th century, when the voting process had become more widespread. Over time, the design and size of ballot boxes have changed, but the functionality and importance of these containers have remained the same. They are a crucial part of the democratic process, allowing voters to securely and privately cast their votes, and ensuring that each one is counted accurately and fairly.