votar
verbCEFR B2
What does “votar” mean in English?
to vote
to vote (votar — cast a vote in a democratic process or institutional setting)
Example sentences
El parlamento votó a favor de la reforma por una mayoría ajustada de tres escaños de diferencia.
Parliament voted in favour of the reform by a narrow majority of three seats.
Millones de ciudadanos votaron por primera vez en unas elecciones generales consideradas históricas.
Millions of citizens voted for the first time in what were considered historic general elections.
Los accionistas votaron en contra de la propuesta de fusión presentada por el consejo de administración.
The shareholders voted against the merger proposal presented by the board of directors.
How to use it
Votar means 'to vote'. Constructions: votar a favor de / en contra de (vote in favour of / against), votar por alguien (vote for someone), votar en unas elecciones (vote in an election). The noun is voto (vote). At B2, both the electoral and institutional/parliamentary senses are important. Votar a favor (de) / en contra (de) are the standard frames in parliamentary discourse.
Common mistake
Votar por alguien (vote for a person) vs. votar a favor de algo (vote in favour of a measure). Don't confuse votar (cast a vote) with el voto (the vote/ballot). In parliamentary language, votación (the act of voting/a ballot) and voto (individual vote) are both needed. Abstenerse en la votación = abstain from a vote.