Definition

1. Noun:
   • A vote cast by writing the name of a non-listed candidate: A write-in is a vote submitted for a candidate whose name is not printed on the official ballot, requiring the voter to manually write that candidate's name.
   • A candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot: A write-in is also a person who is a candidate for office but whose name does not appear on the official ballot, relying on voters to write it in.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Vote):

  • The election was close, so every write-in could potentially change the result.
  • She cast a write-in for her favorite author as a protest vote.

• Noun (Candidate):

  • He ran as a write-in after failing to secure a place on the primary ballot.
  • The successful write-in candidate surprised all the political analysts.

Advanced Usage

• "write-in campaign": An organized effort to elect a candidate whose name is not on the ballot.

  • They launched a last-minute write-in campaign to challenge the incumbent.

• "write-in vote": Often used interchangeably with write-in as a noun to specify the vote itself.

  • The county clerk carefully tallied each write-in vote.

Variants and Related Words

• Write (verb): The root action. To form letters or words on a surface.
• Write-in candidate (noun phrase): A fuller term for the candidate meaning.
• Write-in ballot (noun phrase): A ballot that has been marked with a write-in candidate's name.

Synonyms

• Write-in vote: (Specific synonym for the vote itself)
• Unofficial candidate: (For the candidate meaning, though this is less precise)

Related Phrases

• To write someone in: A phrasal verb meaning to vote for a person by writing their name on a ballot.
  • Many voters chose to write her in for the council seat.

Noun

1. a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate who is not listed on the ballot
2. a candidate for public office whose name does not appear on the ballot and so must be written on the ballot by the voters