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.
Absentee ballot drop box recordings As of July 1, municipalities are required to have implemented video recording technology, complete with date and time evidence, at each of their absentee ballot drop boxes. Gabby Debenedictis, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 Casting a ballot as a noncitizen is already against the law and can result in fines and deportation if convicted. Also blocked in Friday's ruling was part of the order that sought to require states to exclude any mail-in or absentee ballots received after Election Day. Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025 The order also would require states to exclude any mail-in or absentee ballots received after election day and puts states’ federal funding at risk if election officials don’t comply. Christina A. Cassidy, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 The court also overturned a decision by the former conservative court that banned absentee ballot drop boxes. Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 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 18 Jul. 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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