write-in candidate
noun /ˈraɪt ɪn kændɪdət/, /ˈraɪt ɪn kændɪdeɪt/
/ˈraɪt ɪn kændɪdət/, /ˈraɪt ɪn kændɪdeɪt/
(US English)- a candidate in an election for public office whose name is not printed on the official list of candidates, usually because he or she has not been selected by a political party. People voting for such a candidate must therefore write his or her name on the voting paper. Some use this write-in vote, or write-in, as a form of protest by writing silly names on the voting paper.