absentee ballot

noun

: a ballot submitted (as by mail) in advance of an election by a voter who is unable to be present at the polls

Examples of absentee ballot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kane County Clerk John Cunningham announced his office began mailing absentee ballots for the on March 7 to about 37,500 voters who submitted applications for permanent vote-by-mail ballots, according to the news release. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 Even election processes have seen cost reductions, with the elimination of witness signature requirements for absentee ballots generating $7.1 million in annual savings. James Broughel, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 The records from the 2023 primary show Melendez helped at least 230 people fill out applications for absentee ballots. Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2025 In recent elections, the state's absentee ballot counting system and increasingly tight voter margins has pushed presidential race calls into the next day. Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for absentee ballot

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absentee ballot was in 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Absentee ballot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absentee%20ballot. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

absentee ballot

noun
absentee bal·​lot
: a ballot submitted (as by mail) in advance of an election by a voter who is unable to be present at the polls

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