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.
Texas has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the United States, including strict voter ID laws, stringent limits on mail-in and absentee ballots and no online voter registration. Katie Scofield, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025 That margin was extended to 61 votes after the county canvass, which included a re-tabulation of absentee ballots in Battle Creek. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024 Email newsletter | Facebook page Our rating: False States, not the Pentagon, are responsible for sending absentee ballots to military members. Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 7 Nov. 2024 Baldwin declared victory after the tally of absentee ballots from Milwaukee was reported at about 4:30 a.m. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 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

Dictionary Entries Near absentee ballot

Cite this Entry

“Absentee ballot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absentee%20ballot. Accessed 23 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on absentee ballot

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