有権者

• Reading: ゆうけんしゃ
• Romaji: yūkensha
• Kanji breakdown: 有 (yū/a) — have, possess; 権 (ken) — right, authority; 者 (sha/mono) — person
• Pronunciation: /jɯː.keɴ.ɕa/

Meaning

Eligible voter; person with voting rights. A citizen who has met the legal requirements to participate in elections.

In Japan, 有権者 are citizens aged 18 and over (the voting age was lowered from 20 in 2016). The term is central to election reporting and political science. Common collocations include 有権者の支持を得る (to win voter support), 有権者の審判を受ける (to face the judgement of voters), and 有権者数 (the number of eligible voters in a constituency).

Examples

1. 今回の選挙では有権者の投票率が過去最低水準を記録し、政治不信の深刻さが改めて示された。 Voter turnout in this election hit a record low, once again highlighting the severity of public distrust in politics.
2. 候補者は街頭演説で有権者に直接訴えかけ、支持を呼びかけた。 The candidate appealed directly to voters through street speeches and called for their support.
3. 選挙区内の有権者数が大幅に増加したため、定数の見直しが議論されている。 Because the number of eligible voters in the district increased significantly, a review of seat allocations is being discussed.

Usage Guide

Context: elections, politics, law, journalism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Formed from 有権 (yūken, having rights — from 有 to have/possess + 権 right/authority) and 者 (sha, person). A modern administrative and legal term designating those qualified to exercise the right of suffrage.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern–Contemporary

Generation: Adults

Social background: General