pregnant chad
Noun: A pregnant chad is a specific type of chad (a small piece of paper or cardboard produced when a hole is punched in a paper tape or card) that has been partially detached. It is punched or dimpled but remains attached at all four corners, creating a noticeable bulge or indentation. This term gained widespread use during the 2000 United States presidential election recount in Florida, where the condition of chads on punch-card ballots was scrutinized to determine voter intent.
- The election officials carefully examined each ballot for pregnant chads to see if a voter's intent could be discerned.
- A pregnant chad indicates an attempt to vote, as the paper is indented but not fully detached from the ballot card.
- The debate centered on whether a pregnant chad should be counted as a valid vote.
- In election law and auditing: The term is used almost exclusively in the context of voting systems, recounts, and discussions about ballot design flaws. It represents a specific category of "partially detached chad," which also includes "hanging chads" (attached by one corner) and "swinging chads" (attached by two corners).
- As a historical and cultural reference: "Pregnant chad" is often cited as a symbol of a closely contested election, bureaucratic minutiae determining major outcomes, and the transition from older voting technologies to more modern systems.
- Chad (n): The general term for the small piece of paper removed when a hole is punched.
- Hanging chad (n): A chad that is dangling by a single corner.
- Swinging chad (n): A chad that is attached by two corners.
- Dimpled chad (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with "pregnant chad," emphasizing the indentation.
- Tri-chad (n): A chad attached by three corners.
- Dimpled chad
- Indented chad
The meaning of pregnant chad is highly specific and technical. It does not relate to the common adjective "pregnant" (meaning expecting a child) outside of this electoral context. Its usage is a metaphorical extension, suggesting the chad is "pregnant" with the voter's intent or "bulging" with the potential to become a detached vote.
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a chad that has been punched or dimpled but all four corners are still attached
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