View synonyms for

write-in

[ rahyt-in ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a candidate or vote for a candidate not listed on the printed ballot but written onto it by the voter:
Write-ins may swing the election.

adjective

of, relating to, or for such a candidate or vote or a ballot so marked:
a write-in campaign.

write in

verb

to insert in (a document, form, etc) in writing
adverb to write a letter to a company, institution, etc
adverb
1. to vote for (a person not on a ballot) by writing in his name
2. to cast (a vote) for such a person by writing in his name

noun

the act of voting for a person by writing his name on a ballot
a candidate or vote that has been written in
( as modifier )
a write-in campaign

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Word History and Origins

Origin of write-in¹

First recorded in 1930–35

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In 2010, she notched a rare write-in victory after losing the GOP nomination to a right-wing “tea party” Republican.

From

By the end of the presidential primary races in June, the movement had amassed over 750,000 "uncommitted," "uninstructed" or "no preference" votes, including write-in and blank-ballot protests in states without such options.

From

It was a write-in, as Martínez’s name was not on the ballot.

From

It quickly became the target of a massive write-in campaign protesting such candid talk about sex on television; the show was canceled after 14 weeks.

From

In 2016, while a member of Congress, Reichert called Trump’s candidacy “a joke” and declined to endorse or vote for him, saying he cast a write-in vote for Mike Pence, then Trump’s vice-presidential running mate.

From

Related Words

write-down write-in candidate

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