First, check with local election officials about any particular local technicalities involved, and notify officials of your intention to run as a write-in candidate. Informing the public of your candidacy will be your primary activity. Voters are being asked to extend themselves beyond customary voting practices and should be informed of the procedures they must follow so that their votes are valid.
General Requirements
All write-in votes should include the correct name.
Number of Votes Necessary
Primary Election
To be nominated in a primary if no candidate’s name is printed on the ballot you must receive a number of write-in votes at least equal to the number of signatures which would have been required on nomination papers to place your name on the ballot for that primary. Of course, you must also receive more votes than any other candidate for the nomination. If you win the primary, you must file a written acceptance of the nomination. You must also file a statement of financial interest.
General Election
To be elected in a general election you must receive more votes than any other candidate for that office whose name is either printed on the ballot or written-in. There is no minimum number of votes required.
Paper Ballots
Paper ballots are used in Snyder County and the techniques of a write-in campaign are simple. The voter writes in the name of the candidate with no political party or other designation on the line provided for that purpose which is below the list of candidates for that office. The voter is required to color in the oval beside the name, or the vote will not be counted.
