Write-In Candidate Information
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Overview
The Blair County Board of Elections provides guidelines for individuals running as write-in candidates. This document outlines requirements for candidate names, campaign finance reporting, result availability, and conduct at polling locations.
Candidate Names
- Recommendation: Candidates should provide voters with cards or slips of paper displaying their name exactly as it appears on the registration records.
- Voter Instruction: Candidates should ask voters to print their name on the ballot exactly as it appears on the provided information card.
- Prohibition: Stickers are strictly prohibited because they can damage voting machines.
Campaign Finance Reporting
- Legal Requirement: All write-in candidates must comply with the Campaign Finance Reporting Law.
- Threshold: If a candidate receives or spends $250 or more on their campaign, they must file Campaign Finance Reports in a timely manner.
- Resources: Deadline dates and blank reports are available on the Election/Voter Registration webpage at www. blairco. org under the heading "Campaign Finance Documents and Forms. "
- Advertising: All advertisements and signage must clearly state who is paying for them.
Write-In Candidate Results
- Availability: Results are not available on Election Night.
- Publication Date: Write-in results will be uploaded to the Blair County Website on the Friday or Monday afternoon following Election Day.
Minimum Vote Requirements
The number of write-in votes required to be considered valid varies by election type:
- Primary Elections (Spring):
- A candidate must receive a minimum number of votes equal to the number of signatures required on a petition for that specific office.
- Example: If a Township Supervisor position requires 10 petition signatures, a write-in candidate needs a minimum of 10 write-in votes.
- General Elections (November):
- There is no minimum vote requirement.
- A single write-in vote could theoretically win the contest.
10 Foot Rule
- Candidates, their representatives, and campaign signs must remain at least 10 feet away from the voting room door when campaigning outside a polling location.
- Voters must be treated respectfully, and walkways must remain clear for entry and exit.