投票所

• Reading: とうひょうじょ
• Romaji: tōhyōjo
• Kanji breakdown: 投 (tō) — cast, throw; 票 (hyō) — ballot, vote slip; 所 (jo) — place
• Pronunciation: /toːçoːdʑo/

Meaning

Polling station; the official venue where citizens cast their ballots during an election.

A noun composed of 投票 (voting, casting a ballot) and 所 (place). Used specifically for the officially designated locations established during elections. In Japan, local schools and community centres are the most common 投票所. The related term 期日前投票所 refers to early voting centres available before election day.

Examples

1. 選挙当日、近くの小学校が投票所として地域住民に開放された。 On election day, a nearby primary school was opened to local residents as a polling station.
2. 期日前投票所は選挙前から利用できるため、当日多忙な有権者にとって便利な制度だ。 Early voting centres are available before election day, making them a convenient option for voters who are busy on the day itself.
3. 投票所の開場時間は自治体によって多少異なる場合があるため、事前に確認が必要だ。 Opening hours at polling stations may vary slightly by municipality, so it is advisable to check in advance.

Usage Guide

Context: elections, civics, politics, daily life

Tone: informational

Origin & History

Compound of 投票 (casting a vote; 投 to throw/cast + 票 ballot slip) and 所 (place). 票 originally referred to a slip of paper or token, giving the compound a vivid image of physically depositing one's choice at a designated place.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General