DIMPLED CHAD Meaning and
Definition
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A dimpled chad refers to a small paper fragment or perforation created on a punch card or ballot when punched by a machine or manually, leaving it partially connected to the card or ballot surface. The word "chad" generally denotes the small pieces of paper intended to be removed from punched holes. Dimpling is a specific type of chad where the paper fragment remains attached at one edge but is indented or dimpled due to incomplete detachment. The resulting dimple could be caused by the punch missing the paper entirely or not fully severing it from the card.
Dimpled chad gained significant prominence during the United States' highly disputed 2000 presidential election when it became central to a recount controversy in the state of Florida. The presence of dimpled chads on punch-card ballots raised questions about the intent of the voter and whether the dimple indicated a preference for a particular candidate or if it was merely a result of an incomplete punch. The ongoing debate surrounding dimpled chads in that election highlighted the significant impact small physical irregularities on punch cards could have on electoral outcomes.
In a broader context, dimpled chad can also symbolize any similar partially detached or indented paper fragment created during the punching process, as it is not limited solely to political elections.
Common Misspellings for DIMPLED CHAD
- simpled chad
- ximpled chad
- cimpled chad
- fimpled chad
- rimpled chad
- eimpled chad
- dumpled chad
- djmpled chad
- dkmpled chad
- dompled chad
- d9mpled chad
- d8mpled chad
- dinpled chad
- dikpled chad
- dijpled chad
- dimoled chad
- dimlled chad
- dim-led chad
- dim0led chad
Etymology of DIMPLED CHAD
The term "dimpled chad" originates from the context of the controversial 2000 United States presidential election, specifically the disputed results in Florida.
During the election, the method of voting in Florida involved the use of punch-card voting machines. Voters would punch or perforate paper ballots by pressing a stylus through the designated area, creating a small piece of paper known as a chad. A chad refers to the small paper fragment that remains attached to the ballot after being punched, leaving a hole.
The term "dimpled chad" emerged as a result of the controversy surrounding Florida's punch-card voting system. In some instances, instead of completely detaching the chad from the punched hole, the paper would be left partially attached, resulting in a "dimple". A dimpled chad refers to a chad that was depressed without fully puncturing or detaching from the ballot.
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