What is a write-in candidate? Traditionally, voters will pick between the candidates that are already printed on the ballot for the election. Although this is the “traditional” way to do it, there are instances where voters will write in the name of the candidate who they wish to vote for. This is known as “write-in votes”. They are also known as “sticker votes” or “personal choice votes”.
Many states do not accept write-in voting. About 12 states permit write-in candidates and have no registration requirements to be a candidate. Some states have additional requirements beyond registration for write-in candidates to qualify for the election ballot. Out of the states that allow write-in candidates, most require them to register before the election to receive official vote tallies. There are 31 states that permit write-in candidates that have some filing requirements.
In Illinois, write-in voting IS allowed, but, the candidates have to register prior to the election. In the PHS election AND the real election, there will be three write-in candidates. The three candidates that you may write in are Cornel West, Jill Stein, and Chase Oliver.
To cast a write-in vote you must do this on your ballot:
- First, on your ballot, find the office that the candidate is running.
- Next, print or write the candidate’s name on the Write-In line for that office.
- Lastly, fill in the oval next to the candidate’s name.
This is how you will do it in the real election AND in the PHS Mock election.
