protest vote

American  

noun

1. a ballot cast for a candidate with a minimal chance of winning, to register dislike for the other candidates.

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Etymology

Origin of protest vote

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

But his opponent, 43-year-old Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, has framed the election as a protest vote and cannily turned the national flag into a symbol of resistance.

From Barron's • Jan. 11, 2026

Voters in Connecticut and Rhode Island will have the additional option of voting “uncommitted” if they want to register a protest vote against Biden, a Democrat, or Trump, a Republican.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2024

Yulia Navalnaya described queuing for six hours outside the Russian embassy in Berlin as part of the protest vote campaign.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2024

But for Alawieh, Tuesday's protest vote is not about the primary or the general election.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2024

Some have attributed Mr. Kasselakis’ rise to a protest vote by disgruntled Syriza supporters desperate for new blood.

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2023