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

Qualifying residents, such as those who are disabled, may cast absentee ballots. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026

Local clerks in Metro Detroit have been sharing updates on their preparation and delivery since absentee ballot season officially opened on Thursday. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Perhaps most noteworthy, the board made clear that the congressional map could change after residents cast their absentee ballots. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Voters in a few other states, including Minnesota and South Dakota, can cast absentee ballots in person, typically at a local election office or voting center. — Ali Swenson, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for absentee ballot

• alate
• fallot
• mallet
• palate
• palette
• pallet
• shallot

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