voto por correo
/boto poɾ koreo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "absentee ballot" is translated into Spanish as voto por correo.
The term voto por correo is the standard expression used in most Spanish-speaking countries to describe the process of voting via mail when a person is unable to attend a polling station in person.
Meaning: postal vote (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "vote by mail".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "votes by mail", change the singular voto to the plural votos to get votos por correo.
Did you know?
- The word voto shares a linguistic root with the Spanish word boda, as both stem from the Latin concept of a vow or a solemn promise.
- In Spain, the request for a voto por correo must be explicitly filed with the postal service and the electoral board, rather than being an automatic option for all citizens.
- In some Latin American contexts, you might hear voto en ausencia for an absentee ballot, which mirrors the English structure more closely than the 'by mail' version.
Examples in context
- Solicité un voto por correo para las elecciones.I requested an absentee ballot for the elections.
- El voto por correo debe entregarse antes del martes.The absentee ballot must be delivered before Tuesday.
- No recibí mi voto por correo a tiempo.I did not receive my absentee ballot in time.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing voting logistics at a cafe.
- Elena¿Vas a votar en persona o usarás el voto por correo?Are you going to vote in person or will you use an absentee ballot?
- JavierPrefiero el voto por correo porque trabajo los domingos.I prefer the absentee ballot because I work on Sundays.
- ElenaEs una buena idea, Javier.That is a good idea, Javier.
- JavierSí, así no tengo que ir a la oficina electoral.Yes, that way I don't have to go to the polling station.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries correo, por, voto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
