write-in

[ rahyt-in ]

noun

1. 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

1. of, relating to, or for such a candidate or vote or a ballot so marked:

   a write-in campaign.

write in

verb

1. to insert in (a document, form, etc) in writing
2. adverb to write a letter to a company, institution, etc
3. 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

1. the act of voting for a person by writing his name on a ballot
2. a candidate or vote that has been written in
3. ( as modifier )

   a write-in campaign

Word History and Origins

Origin of write-in¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

But Dickinson never filed to run as a Democrat, and is now running as a write-in for the seat.

From The Daily Beast

First, he ran an unsuccessful campaign as a write-in against U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor—a Democrat.

From The Daily Beast

In the initial tally, Fleck had 3,398 votes, while a total of 3,700 votes were given to write-in candidates.

From The Daily Beast

Fleck also noted that it was possible that he could have the Democratic nomination as a write-in as well.

From The Daily Beast

Mike Fleck ran unopposed three times, but appears to have been beaten by a write-in candidate after coming out in 2012.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• copy
• document
• file
• list
• log
• mark
• post
• register
• report
• videotape