write-in candidate

Cultural  

1. A candidate for public office whose name does not appear on the ballot (usually because he or she has not secured the nomination of a political party) but whose name must be written on the ballot by voters.

---

Example Sentences

Later that year, the then-32-year-old Devine challenged O’Neill as a write-in candidate.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2024

Mr. Phillips won 20 percent of the vote in New Hampshire, which Mr. Biden won as a write-in candidate, and then placed third behind the self-help author Marianne Williamson in South Carolina.

From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2024

In addition to the candidates listed below, Janie Dam has qualified as a write-in candidate.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2024

Party rules don’t bar a write-in candidate from winning delegates.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 26, 2023

He also has announced plans, complete with a campaign website, to run as a write-in candidate for the Republican presidential primary.

From Washington Times • Sep. 5, 2023