Sentence examples for a protest vote from inspiring English sources

The phrase "a protest vote" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a vote cast to express dissatisfaction with the current political situation or to signal opposition to a particular candidate or policy.
Example: "Many citizens chose to cast a protest vote in the recent election, hoping to send a message to the government about their discontent."
Alternatives: "a dissenting vote" or "an opposition vote".