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.
Dane County Circuit Judge Everett Mitchell ruled in June that disabled people should be allowed to have absentee ballots emailed to them, a privilege currently available only to military and overseas voters. Scott Bauer, Twin Cities, 12 Mar. 2025 There are no credible news reports about widespread issues with absentee ballots being provided to members of the military. Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 7 Nov. 2024 The fifth person who was charged is Margaret Joyce, a Stratford resident, who participated in the absentee ballot push during the 2023 election, and allegedly took possession of at least four absentee ballots. Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2025 Under Wisconsin law, absentee ballots cannot be processed before 7 a.m. on Election Day. Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 18 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 22 Mar. 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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