Voters use the "ballot box" or "ballot booth" to cast their votes anonymously, ensuring the secrecy of their choices. Whether voters use a paper ballot or an electronic ballot, the ballot box is designed to prevent tampering and maintain the voting process's integrity.

A collection of legal safeguards designated to each citizen guaranteeing the chance to participate in local, state, and federal elections.

Attempts by an individual, group, law/policy, or political party to hinder or prevent specific groups of people––historically Black and brown voters in the U.S.––from exercising their right to vote. Examples of voter suppression tactics include reducing the number of polling sites in certain areas, instituting restrictive voter ID requirements (like in Wisconsin), and spreading misinformation to discourage/mislead potential voters.

The designated day––always a Tuesday––on which citizens go to the polls to vote.

A preliminary election held to determine the candidates that a political party (e.g. Democrats and Republicans) will nominate for an upcoming general election. Some states have closed primaries, meaning you have to vote for that party's nominee, and others like Wisconsin have open primaries, where you can vote for Democratic or Republican nominees.

Occurring after a primary election, a general election is a regularly scheduled election where voters ultimately elect candidates to public office. These elections typically occur at set intervals.

The core of the American voting system, a form of government in which power ultimately belongs to the people. Through democracy, voters, social groups, and organizations can affect change in society.

Specific political issues and processes that occur at the local level, such as city, municipal, or county politics. This type of politics affects one's community and city.