absentee ballot

noun

Synonyms of absentee ballotnext
: 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.
The fight over absentee ballots could be crucial for the 2026 midterms, which will determine which party controls Congress. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Applications for requesting absentee ballots are already open in Georgia, and thousands of applications have already been accepted. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The executive order also gives states the option to provide the Postal Service at least 60 days before a federal election a list of voters entitled to vote by mail or by absentee ballot. — John J. Martin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Question 1 proposed restrictions on voting laws that would directly affect college students, such as changes in the voter ID and absentee ballot laws. — Emily Ebersman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for absentee ballot

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Browse Nearby Words

absentee
absentee ballot
absenteeism
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Cite this Entry

“Absentee ballot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absentee%20ballot. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for absentee ballot

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