Crossword Genius

Jack and Mark do not vote (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abstain

'do not vote' is the definition.

'jack and mark' is the wordplay.
'jack' becomes 'ab' (both can mean a sailor).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'mark' becomes 'stain' (synonyms).
'ab'+'stain'='ABSTAIN'

(Other definitions for abstain that I've seen before include "not come down on either side" , "Don't indulge" , "Stay neutral, in a way" , "Keep away from drink" , "Formally decline to vote" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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