Running a Write-in Campaign
Candidates who are not on the ballot may be elected if enough voters "write in" their name. Here are some tips.
Maybe your petitions were challenged and you got "knocked off" the ballot? Maybe you decided last minute to run? Whatever the reason, a write-in campaign is one way to win an election.
A candidate can conduct a "write-in" campaign in the primary or November election, or both. In this option, the candidate's name does not appear on the official ballot, but voters write the candidate's name on the paper ballot portion of the voting machine. Administratively, a candidate who runs a write-in campaign is not required to file nomination documents before the election -- a distinct benefit.
However, there are disadvantages to conducting a write-in campaign. First, a write-in candidate faces the overwhelming task of garnering enough political recognition to convince voters to ignore the names printed on the ballot. Second, write-in candidates must educate voters about how to "write-in" their votes. Operating the voting machine buttons confuses many voters. But it can and has been done!
Each voting machine is equipped with a paper roll to write-in the name of a candidate of the voter’s choice who is not on the ballot. The single write-in window at the top is used for all write-in votes.
Here is a quick tutorial for how to write in a candidate on the electronic voting machines in Philadelphia:
- Press the “write-in” button on the machine corresponding with the office for which you would like to write in the name of an individual whose name does not appear on the ballot as a candidate. The square red button at the top of the machine will begin blinking.
- Press the blinking square red button. The black shutter nearby will automatically open.
- Write or stamp* the full name of your choice on the paper within the window.
- Pull down the black shutter.
- If you wish to write in another candidate for another office, repeat these steps.
- When you are finished voting, press the “VOTE” button located in the bottom right-hand corner.
A potential write-in candidate should also note that to succeed in a write-in primary campaign, he or she must not only outpoll all opponents, but also receive a number of votes at least equal to the number of signatures required on a nominating petition for that office.
For a video demonstration of how to use the voting machines in your county visit Voting System Demos page on VotesPA.com
*Using Stamps: A voter may use a stamp provided by the campaign to stamp instead of writing the candidate's name with a pen. However, they must stamp the candidate's name on the write-in paper INSIDE the voting machine as if the voter were actually writing the candidate's name with a pen. Write in stamps may not be kept or handed out inside of the polling place. They should be handed out at least ten feet away from the door to the voting room and then brought back outside by the voter.