Election is a process by which citizens of a country select representatives to govern that country. Elections are usually governed by laws that set forth how voters may vote and the voting system used to count ballots. Various voting systems exist, most of which can be classified as either proportional or majoritarian. Some electoral systems use mixed methods that combine features of both proportional and majoritarian methods.
In most countries with modern electoral systems, voters choose their preferred candidates by using a ballot. A typical ballot includes the name of the candidate or proposition and a series of ovals for selecting choices. Voters must mark the ovals with a pen or pencil to indicate their preference. A ballot marking device may be provided for voters with special needs. Upon completion of the ballot, it is handed to an electoral official for tabulation.
For example, in the United States, the presidential elections are held on the first Tuesday after November 1. A voter goes to the polling place indicated on their voter registration card and signs in. Then they receive a paper ballot from an election official. In a privacy booth, the voter fills in their choices and places their marked ballot into a sealed box for counting. The ballot is then collected and the results are announced.
Most state laws establish that the winner of a statewide popular vote, i.e., the candidate with the highest number of votes, will win all of that state’s electoral votes (winner-take-all). However, two states – Maine and Nebraska – determine a part of their electors using district votes in districts covering only parts of the state.