expression

absentee ballot

a vote cast by mail rather than in person

In more detail

a ballot that a person votes on before an election day, usually because they will be absent from their usual voting place on election day

Examples

She requested an absentee ballot because she would be traveling for work on election day.

How to use absentee ballot

An absentee ballot is used in American electoral contexts to describe a method of voting before election day, typically by mail or in person at an early voting location. It is neutral in tone and commonly used in news media, political discussions, and official election materials. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with 'mail-in ballot,' though absentee ballot is broader and can include in-person early voting.

Common phrases

cast an absentee ballot
request an absentee ballot
vote by absentee ballot
absentee ballot application
absentee voting

Synonyms

mail-in ballot · early ballot · advance ballot · remote ballot

A common mistake

Learners sometimes assume absentee ballot refers only to voting by mail, when it can also include voting in person before election day at designated early voting sites.

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