A ballot is a tool used in elections to help people express their choices. It can be a piece of paper or an electronic form where voters mark their preferred candidates or options. Ballots ensure that everyone’s vote is counted fairly and privately, allowing citizens to participate in the democratic process. When you go to vote, you receive a ballot that lists the candidates and issues up for decision. After making your selections, you submit your ballot, which is then counted to determine the outcome of the election. This process is crucial for ensuring that the voices of the people are heard in a democracy.