Nonvote

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. Describing a person who does not cast a ballot, or a matter that is decided without any formal vote being taken
2. Refers to someone who abstains from voting in an election or to something that does not involve a vote
3. Used of a person who chooses not to take part in an election, or of a decision reached without balloting

Etymology: "Nonvote" is a plain compound: the prefix "non-", meaning "not", attached to "vote". Its sense is simply the act or fact of not voting, which is why it works as both noun and verb. The construction is transparent enough that the word needs little explanation beyond its parts. The more interesting question is why English speakers reach for a word like this at all. Political commentary, polling and electoral studies often need a single term for abstaining, and "not voting" is wordy when repeated across a paragraph. Compounds built this way with "non-" are a common English pattern, producing terms such as "nonattendance" or "nonpayment" that name an absence of an action.