What is a write-in candidate?

A write-in candidate is any eligible person who seeks to be elected by write-in votes to an office (except delegate to national convention), which is to be filled in a primary, general or special election.  A write-in candidate does not have his/her name appear on the ballot (according to the type of voting system used).  In order to become an official write-in candidate, you must file a certificate of announcement with the appropriate filing office.  The deadline to file is forty-two (42) days before the election. Only votes for an official write-in candidate will be tabulated on election night.

To find out more about write-in procedures, please view the Write-In Filing and Voting Procedures publication located at Running for Office .  To view and print the Write-In Candidate Certificate of Announcement, go to Write-In.  To view and print the Write-In Candidate Announcement, go to Write-In.