Drop The Writ Meaning

(Canada, idiomatic) To call a federal or provincial election.

Example: 2000, Allison Dunfield, "Chrétien calls election for Nov. 27," Globe and Mail (Toronto), 22 Oct.,
  Mr. Chrétien visited Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson and asked her to drop the writ, meaning that for the next 36 days, Canada will be hit with election fever.