Voting comes with big words. Let's find out what they mean. First, what is voting?

Voting is how people get a say. It is a say in what happens. That is in their city, state or country.

Here is a big word. The word democracy means rule by the people. It comes from Greek words.

Here is one more. People choose representatives. They decide for the people in government.

Next, people vote for candidates. The jobs are local, state or national.

First, people register to vote. In almost every state, they do it first. North Dakota does not. This is true as of February 2026.

The right to vote is called suffrage. A United States citizen who is 18 or older can vote. This is true as of February 2026.

On Election Day, many go to a polling place. They go there to vote. They vote that day.

Many states let people vote in person. They can vote before Election Day. This is true as of November 2026.

Some vote by mail. Some drop off a ballot. They do it before the day. This is true as of November 2026.

Last, a big word. Many votes are decided by a simple majority.

Words to know

• democracy: rule by people
• representatives: chosen decision makers
• register: sign up
• suffrage: right to vote