Definition

1. Noun:
   • A writ ordering the holding of an election: An official written order, issued by a government authority (such as a governor or executive officer), that commands the appropriate officials to conduct an election for a specific office or purpose.

Usage

• The term "writ of election" is used in formal, legal, and governmental contexts. It refers to the specific document that formally initiates the electoral process for a particular seat, often to fill a vacancy.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The governor issued a writ of election to fill the vacant congressional seat.
  • Following the senator's resignation, a writ of election was issued, scheduling the by-election for June.

Advanced Usage

• "to issue a writ of election": The formal act of authorizing and commanding an election to be held.
  • The Speaker announced that the Prime Minister would issue a writ of election next week.

Variants and Related Words

• Election writ (n): A common, shortened variant of "writ of election" with the same meaning.
  • The election writ has been issued, marking the official start of the campaign period.

Synonyms

• Election order: A less formal term for the official command to hold an election.
• Writ: In this specific context, "writ" can be understood to mean the election order, though it is a broader legal term for any formal written command.

Related Phrases

• Return the writs: A procedural phrase referring to the formal conclusion of the election process, where the official results are certified and reported back to the issuing authority.
  • After all votes are counted, the electoral commissioner will return the writs.

Noun

1. a writ ordering the holding of an election