boleta
/boˈleta/feminine
The English word 'ballot' is translated into Spanish as boleta. Wiktionary also lists papeleta de voto and balota.
Meaning: paper used for vote-casting (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| boleta | /boˈleta/ | feminine |
| papeleta de voto | /papeleta de boto/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| balota | /baˈlota/ | feminine |
These terms refer to the paper used for casting a vote. While boleta and balota refer to the ballot itself, papeleta de voto is a more descriptive term that specifically emphasizes the piece of paper used for voting. The word papeleta generally refers to a smaller slip of paper used for voting purposes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, boleta is the standard term. Additionally, Hoja de votación is a formal term used in some Latin American countries that literally translates to voting sheet.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because boleta is a feminine noun, the definite article used is las boletas. The plural form of boleta is boletas.
How do you pronounce it?
/boˈleta/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- La boleta de voto es un instrumento fundamental para asegurar elecciones justas y transparentes.The ballot is a fundamental instrument to ensure fair and transparent elections.
- ¿Dónde puedo depositar mi papeleta electoral?Where can I deposit my ballot?
- Escribe tu elección en la boleta.Write your choice on the ballot.
- La boleta está sobre la mesa.The ballot is on the table.
- Necesito una boleta nueva para votar.I need a new ballot to vote.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a polling station.
- Alejandro¿Ya recibiste la boleta, Elena?Did you receive the ballot yet, Elena?
- ElenaSí, Alejandro, ya la tengo.Yes, Alejandro, I have it already.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos a votar ahora.Perfect, let's go vote now.
- ElenaDe acuerdo, entremos al recinto.Agreed, let's enter the building.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ballot” translations and entries boleta, balota, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balota, boleta, de, papeleta, voto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
