write-in

American  

[rahyt-in] / ˈraɪtˌɪn /

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.

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adjective

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

   a write-in campaign.

write in British  

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

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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

write in Idioms  

1. Cast a vote by inserting a name not listed on the ballot, as in He asked them to write in his name as a candidate . [c. 1930]

2. Insert in a text or document, as in Please don't write in your corrections on the printed pages, but list them separately . [Late 1300s]

3. Communicate with an organization by mail, as in Listeners are being asked to write in their requests . [1920s]

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Etymology

Origin of write-in

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Polling is taking place in three phases spread over a month, using new electronic voting machines which do not allow write-in candidates or spoiled ballots.

From Barron's

Voters were asked to fill out a write-in ballot due to the unusually high number of candidates.

From BBC

It was a write-in, as Martínez’s name was not on the ballot.

From Los Angeles Times

In Montana, write-in candidates must file with the state before the election.

From Seattle Times

Ken Weir, a member of the Bakersfield City Council and the head of the Kern County GOP, ran a write-in campaign for the 32nd District Assembly seat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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