Calling votes "elections" was rhetorically a phenomenal victory for democratic states.

"Election" (or "choice") is positively charged and implies freedom.

Real Freedom of Choice

I can freely choose which beer I drink in the garden - today I chose Einbecker Brauherren.

In a restaurant, I can at least still choose which beer I order from the menu.

Political "Elections"

In a political election, I cannot do any of that. Everyone gets the same voting result - regardless of what they personally voted for or not.

The Club Analogy

We know votes from club parties: when there's only one tap, you have to vote on which keg goes on the line.

The difference between the club party and the state, however, is that membership and also participation in parties is itself a personal choice.

Conclusion

The term "election" suggests a freedom that doesn't exist in political votes. Unlike real choices in daily life - where everyone gets what they chose - in political "elections" everyone gets the same result imposed on them, regardless of individual preference.

The term cleverly disguises the coercive nature of collective decisions.