Write-In
Write-In: A vote for a candidate that was not listed on the ballot.
Definition
A vote for a candidate that was not listed on the ballot. In some jurisdictions, voters may do this by filling in a write-in space provided on a paper ballot, or they may use a keypad, touch screen, or other electronic means to enter the name on an electronic voting device.
Alternative Definitions
- Definition 2
A type of contest option that allows a voter to specify a candidate, usually not already listed as a contest option. Depending on election jurisdiction rules, in some cases only previously approved names will be considered as valid write-in contest selections.
- Definition 3
A vote cast for a person whose name does not appear on the ballot. Not all states allow write- ins, e.g. Hawaii. “The words or "WRITE-IN, IF ANY" are to be printed, where applicable, directly under each line for write-ins.” W. Va. Code §3-4A-11a(b)(3). Some states that use optical scan ballots require the voter to both write in a name and mark the oval next to the write-in space for the write-in to count. “[W]he n a write-in vote is cast using an electronic voting system, the ballot must also be mark ed in the corresponding space in order to be counted.” Iowa Code §49.99. Alaska requires the voter, when the ballot is to be counted by an electronic system, to write in the name by a pplying a rubber stamp, not by actually writing the name, Alaska Stat. §16-448. The states vary on whether a voter may write in the name of a candidate whose name appears on the ballot, e.g., “No write-in vote shall be counted for an office for any person whose name appears on the ballot as a candidate for that office.” Va. Code §24.2-644. A “vote for a candidate who is explicitly named by the voter in lieu of choosing a candidate who is already listed on the ballot. … This does not preclude writing in the name of a candidate who is already listed on the ballot.” 2007 VVSG. See also CERTIFIED WRITE-IN, CURRENT CANDIDATES ONLY, DECLARED WRITE-IN, FREE-FOR-ALL, PASTE-IN.