Election administration division corresponding to a contiguous geographic area that is the basis for determining which contests and issues the voters legally residing in that area are eligible to vote on.
What does precinct mean in an election?
A precinct is an election-administration area used to group voters according to where they live and the contests they are eligible to vote in. Precinct boundaries help determine ballot style, reporting, and polling assignments. Some jurisdictions use related terms such as ward, voting district, or tabulation district, although definitions can differ.
How is a voter’s precinct determined?
A voter’s precinct is generally determined from their residential address and the election boundaries that cover that address. Election officials map the residence to the relevant precinct and districts so the voter receives the correct ballot. Because boundaries can change, an official state or local voter lookup is the best source for a current precinct assignment.
Is a precinct the same as a polling place?
No. A precinct is a geographic or administrative election division, while a polling place is a physical location where in-person voting occurs. A polling place may serve one precinct or several precincts, and some jurisdictions use vote centers that serve voters from a wider area rather than assigning one polling place per precinct.
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Election administration division corresponding to a contiguous geographic area that is the basis for determining which contests and issues the voters legally residing in that area are eligible to vote on.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Precinct. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/precinct
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