A "compact and contiguous geographic area within a political subdivision created by the political subdivision for election purposes." Neb. Stat. §32-120. "'Ward' means a town, village or city subdivision created for the convenience of electors therein and to facilitate the division of such municipalities into election districts of substantially equal population numbers among common boundaries observing the community of interest of existing neighborhoods and other settlements." Wisc. St. 5.02(25). The term has a special meaning in Louisiana: "'Ward' means a police jury ward in a parish and in parishes having no police jury wards means the subdivision of the parish equivalent to a police jury ward." La. R.S. §18:2(11).
What is a ward in an election?
An election ward is a local geographic division used for representation, polling, or election administration. It may determine which local representative a voter elects or which polling arrangements apply. The exact function of a ward depends on local law, and the term is used differently across cities, states, and countries.
Is an election ward the same as a ward of the state?
No. An election ward is a geographic or administrative voting division, while a ward of the state is a person placed under the legal protection or guardianship of the state. The shared word does not make the concepts related. On an election glossary page, ward should be interpreted in its electoral or local-government context.
How are wards used in local elections?
Wards can divide a municipality into smaller areas for electing council members, assigning voters, organizing polling places, or reporting results. Some jurisdictions use wards much like districts, while others do not use the term at all. The governing city charter, statute, or election map determines the ward's actual role.
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A "compact and contiguous geographic area within a political subdivision created by the political subdivision for election purposes." Neb. Stat. §32-120. "'Ward' means a town, village or city subdivision created for the convenience of electors therein and to facilitate the division of such municipalities into election districts of substantially equal population numbers among common boundaries observing the community of interest of existing neighborhoods and other settlements." Wisc. St. 5.02(25). The term has a special meaning in Louisiana: "'Ward' means a police jury ward in a parish and in parishes having no police jury wards means the subdivision of the parish equivalent to a police jury ward." La. R.S. §18:2(11).
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Ward. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/ward
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High consensus
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