Translation guide
A voting method where each person's choice is kept confidential. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific terms for the system itself, the act of voting secretly, and related phrases.
Referring to the electoral system where votes are cast anonymously.
The standard term for 'secret ballot' as a voting system. Used in formal and legal contexts.
この国では秘密投票が保障されている。
In this country, the secret ballot is guaranteed.
Literally 'anonymous vote'. Emphasizes that the voter's name is not recorded. Common in official contexts.
選挙は無記名投票で行われます。
Elections are conducted by secret ballot.
Describing the action of casting a vote without revealing one's choice.
Means 'to vote secretly'. Used when emphasizing the confidentiality of the voting process.
組合員は秘密裏に投票した。
The union members voted by secret ballot.
Literally 'vote anonymously'. Focuses on the absence of names on the ballot.
無記名で投票してください。
Please vote by secret ballot.
Referring to a specific instance of a secret vote, such as a ballot paper or a voting event.
Can also refer to a specific secret ballot event or the ballot itself.
秘密投票が行われた。
A secret ballot was held.
Both mean 'secret ballot', but 秘密投票 emphasizes secrecy, while 無記名投票 emphasizes anonymity (no name recorded). In most contexts they are interchangeable, but 無記名投票 is more common in legal texts.
Similarly used for a specific anonymous vote.
無記名投票の結果、新しい委員長が選ばれた。
As a result of the secret ballot, a new chairperson was elected.