Voter Definition: Meaning, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：voter (voter)

voter 🔊

/ˈvoʊtər/

A person who officially votes in an election or has the right to do so.

voter 🔊

➕

/ˈvoʊtər/

A person who has the right to participate in an election by casting a vote, or who actually does so.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'vote' (choice or expression of opinion) + agent suffix '-er', meaning 'one who votes'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Voter' sounds like 'vow' + 'er' — you make a vow with your ballot.

📖 Example

As a first-time voter, Maria felt a strong sense of pride when she entered the polling station. 🔊 As a first-time voter, Maria felt a strong sense of pride when she entered the polling station.

🔗 Collocations

eligible voter – a person who meets the legal requirements to vote

registered voter – a person who has officially signed up to vote

swing voter – a voter who is not committed to any one party and can decide the outcome

🔄 Synonyms

elector (n.) – A person who is entitled to vote in an election.

constituent (n.) – A resident of a district represented by an elected official; often used interchangeably with voter.

balloter (n.) – A person who votes, especially by ballot.

🚫 Antonyms

nonvoter (n.) – A person who does not vote or is not eligible to vote.

abstainer (n.) – A person who chooses not to vote.

🌱 Derivatives

voting (n./adj.) – The action of casting a vote.

voter turnout (n.) – The percentage of eligible voters who actually vote.

nonvoter (n.) – A person who does not vote.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'votum' (a vow or wish). Entered English via Old French 'vote' in the 15th century, evolving from a personal pledge to a formal electoral choice. Today, 'voter' is central to democratic systems worldwide.