The right to cast a ballot without threat of violence, manipulation, harassment, or fear.
What does free from coercion or intimidation mean in voting?
The term Free From Coercion Or Intimidation refers to the principle that voters must be able to make and cast choices voluntarily, without threats, force, undue pressure, retaliation, or other coercive interference. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
Why must voting be free from coercion?
Understanding Free From Coercion Or Intimidation matters because the concept can affect election administration, voter participation, legal decisions, or resilience. In this context, it refers to the principle that voters must be able to make and cast choices voluntarily, without threats, force, undue pressure, retaliation, or other coercive interference.
How does ballot secrecy help reduce coercion?
Ballot secrecy reduces coercion by preventing other people from reliably verifying how an individual voted. If a voter cannot prove a particular selection to an employer, party, family member, buyer, or intimidator, threats and rewards become harder to enforce. Privacy procedures therefore support the voter's ability to choose freely without external pressure.
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The right to cast a ballot without threat of violence, manipulation, harassment, or fear.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Free From Coercion Or Intimidation. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/free-from-coercion-or-intimidation
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