Any person seeking election, but whose name will not be printed on the ballot. For these votes to be tallied and certified, the candidate must file forms with the election official during the qualifying period. A space will be provided on the ballot for voters to write in the candidate's name. The candidate must educate voters to write in the candidate's name in the space provided.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
Any person seeking election, but whose name will not be printed on the ballot. For these votes to be tallied and certified, the candidate must file forms with the election official during the qualifying period. A space will be provided on the ballot for voters to write in the candidate's name. The candidate must educate voters to write in the candidate's name in the space provided.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Write In Candidate. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/write-in-candidate
Sources
01
High consensus
02
Disputed
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.