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Write-in candidate
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Note: This article is not intended to serve as a guide to running for public office. Individuals should contact their state election agencies for further information.
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A write-in candidate is someone whose name does not appear on the ballot, but whose name must be written on the ballot by voters.[1]
Most states allow voters to write in the name of a candidate who does not appear on the ballot in a general election. However, state laws vary with respect to which write-in votes will be counted, as well as filing requirements for write-in candidates. These rules can be grouped into five categories:
- No requirements for whom voters may write-in
- Only write-in votes for registered candidates will be counted, candidates must file before the election
- Only write-in votes for registered candidates will be counted, candidates must file after the election
- Only candidates for president and vice president must file
- No write-in votes allowed
As of July 2025, eight states did not have any requirements and would allow voters to write in any name as a write-in vote. Those states were Alabama[2], Iowa, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania[3], Rhode Island, South Carolina[4], and Wyoming.
Thirty-one states would only accept votes for write-in candidates who officially registered with the state before the election. In order for the vote to be counted, the candidate must have submitted all the necessary registration documents by a specific deadline, either by filing paperwork, paying a fee, collecting signatures, or some combination of these requirements.[5][6][7]
In Washington, D.C. and Oregon, write-in candidates must file after the election.
In three states—Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia—only candidates for president and vice president must file before the election. There are no requirements for other offices.
Seven states did not allow write-in votes. Those states were Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi[8], Nevada, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ Dictionary.com, "Write-in candidate," accessed November 19, 2024
- ↑ In Alabama, write-in votes are not allowed in municipal elections.
- ↑ In Pennsylvania, elections are run by county boards. Some may require a write-in candidate to file after the election.
- ↑ In South Carolina, write-in votes are not allowed for president or vice president.
- ↑ Two of those states — New Mexico and Idaho — did not allow write-in votes for certain elections. In New Mexico, write-in votes are not allowed for president or vice president. In Idaho, write-in votes are not allowed for judicial races.
- ↑ Electoral-vote.com, "Write-in Votes," accessed November 20, 2024
- ↑ Colorado Secretary of State, "Common Questions about the 2024 General Election," accessed November 20, 2024
- ↑ In Mississippi, write-in votes are allowed if the prior candidate dies, resigns, withdraws, or is removed.
