"Always"

This is a container clue - look for indicators like 'around', 'holding', 'outside', 'embracing' where one part wraps around another

Break down the clue into definition and wordplay parts

Answer: ETERNALLY | Definition: 'Always' | Wordplay: E-[x]-TERNALLY=”on the outside”, with no ‘x’ (symbol that can be used to mark a “vote”)