What does votable mean?
Votable is an adjective meaning that a person, proposal, question, or other matter can properly be chosen or decided by voting. A candidate is votable when eligible and standing for election, while a proposal or resolution is votable when it is open to consideration and decision by a vote. The word describes eligibility or the availability of a choice, not whether the choice is likely to win. It is especially useful in formal and parliamentary contexts, where officials must determine what may be put before a chamber or its members. The related verb vote comes from Latin votum, meaning “a vow or wish,” reflecting the original idea of a formal choice or declaration. English later developed the suffix -able to mark the capacity for something to happen, giving votable its present sense. The alternative spelling voteable occurs, especially in British English, while votable is widely used in North American writing. Votable should not be confused with votive, which concerns a vow, vow offering, or religious dedication rather than an election or decision.
adjectiveCapable of being voted for or voted on; eligible to receive a vote or be decided by a vote.
- Able to be voted for, especially as a candidate in an election.
- Able to be voted on or decided by a vote, especially a proposal, issue, or resolution.
"The chair confirmed that the resolution was still votable before the session ended."
"Only candidates who meet the residency requirement are votable."
"The amendment remained votable until the chair withdrew it."
Votable is where electoral politics meets grammar: it means fit to be put to a vote.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of votable
Votable was formed in English from vote + -able, literally “able to be voted.” Vote comes through Middle English from Old French vote, ultimately from Latin votum, “vow, prayer, or wish”; the same Latin root also underlies votive and votary. The adjective's modern senses developed from the established voting sense of vote, while votive and votary retain more of the root's older associations with vows and religious devotion.
How votable is actually used
The adjective is formal and neutral, particularly in election reporting, legislation, and parliamentary procedure. It describes eligibility for a vote, not popularity or the likelihood of success; for the right to cast a vote, use “eligible to vote.”
Easily confused with votable
Voteable is an alternative spelling of votable with exactly the same meaning and is especially common in British English.