Yes, votes are essentially the DB's version of a like / dislike. Upvotes are good and downvotes are bad. If you receive an upvote you receive 10 points and vice versa; receiving a downvotes makes you lose 10 points. Giving a downvote makes you lose 2 points, to prevent spamming to a degree. You can vote on both questions and answers. You can also remove upvotes/downvotes that you have given.
For more information, read here (and the links provided) and here.
