Write-in

1. [Write-in] A type of contest option that allows a voter to specify a candidate, usually not already listed as a contest option. Depending on election jurisdiction rules, in some cases only previously approved names will be considered as valid write-in contest selections.

Source: Pilot Implementation Study of Risk-Limiting Audit Methods in the State of Rhode Island, RLA Working Group, https://www.brennancenter.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/Report-RI-Design-FINAL-WEB4.pdf

2. [Write-in ballot] A ballot used in voting for a candidate in an election where the voter writes the name of the candidate or the registered political party they wish to vote for in a large blank space on the ballot. Used in certain types of absentee voting in British Columbia.

Source: Independent Panel on Internet Voting, British Columbia, https://elections.bc.ca/docs/recommendations-report.pdf

3. [Write-in option] A type of contest option that allows a voter to specify a candidate, usually not already listed as a contest option. Depending on election jurisdiction rules, in some cases only previously approved names will be considered as valid write-in contest selections.

Source: Election Terminology Glossary - Draft, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), https://pages.nist.gov/ElectionGlossary/

4. [Write-in voting] To make a selection of an individual not listed on the ballot. In some jurisdictions, voters may do this by using a marking device to physically write their choice on the ballot or they may use a keypad, touch screen or other electronic means to enter the name.

Source: Glossary of terms database, U.S. Election Assistance Commission, https://www.eac.gov/glossary/