the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > expression of choice by some approved method > [noun] > means of signifying choice > ball or bean (3)
Originally: a small coloured ball placed in a container to register a secret vote; (hence, by extension) a ticket, paper, etc., so used.
One of the small black or white spheres used in voting by ballot (ballot, n.1 2).
Literary and proverbial uses:— in reference to the former use of beans in balloting.