Write-In 101
Now that Mayor Albert T. McWilliams has lost the Democratic Primary and a late bid to run as a Republican on the ballot, a write-in vote is his last resort.
But how does that work?
Some research shows interesting new developments that may or may not aid the two-term Democrat in his quest for a third term.
It seems that nowadays a “write-in” vote is more like a “type-in.”
A voter who goes to the polling place determined to write in a candidate will have to push a “Write-In” button and then use a keypad in the bottom center of the electronic machine to type in the first and last name of the desired candidate, according to instructions on the web site of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.
A voter may also request an absentee ballot, which for the first time requires no stated reason to need one, under the “No Excuses Absentee Ballot Law.“
Voters can download the Civilian Absentee Ballot Application from the county clerk’s web site at
http://www.ucnj.org/ctyclerk/absent04.html
On that form, they will not only have to actually print the name of the write-in candidate, but must also “fill in the oval” on the form in order to be counted.
Here’s the sticking point: How shall the candidate be written in?
To use the favorite example of disgruntled voters, “Mickey Mouse” will count as one candidate, but “M. Mouse” or “Mickey M.” will be tallied separately.
In addition, candidates cannot now just shovel absentee ballots at prospective voters and then drag them to the County Clerk’s office.
The new regulations specifically forbid candidates from assisting voters in completing absentee ballots or delivering them.
According to Rajoppi’s office, requests for absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 1 in order to receive a general election ballot by mail. Requests may also be made in person at the County Clerk’s office before 3 p.m. on Nov. 7.
There is a downloadable Absentee Ballot form at the County Clerk’s web site, but not all computers can get it. The alternative is to call (908) 527-4360 to get one.
On Election Day, Nov. 8, all results are unofficial. The County Clerk certifies the results on the Monday following the Tuesday election.
The Democratic candidates on the ballot will include Jon Corzine for governor, Sharon Robinson-Briggs for Plainfield mayor, Rashid Burney for the 2nd & 3rd Ward at-large unexpired term and Elliott Simmons for the 4th Ward seat.
The only city Republican on the ticket will be Al Coleman for the 2nd & 3rd Ward seat, with Doug Forrester running as governor. The mayoral and 4th Ward seats have no GOP candidates.
Bob Ferraro is running as an independent for the mayoral seat.
--Bernice Paglia
But how does that work?
Some research shows interesting new developments that may or may not aid the two-term Democrat in his quest for a third term.
It seems that nowadays a “write-in” vote is more like a “type-in.”
A voter who goes to the polling place determined to write in a candidate will have to push a “Write-In” button and then use a keypad in the bottom center of the electronic machine to type in the first and last name of the desired candidate, according to instructions on the web site of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.
A voter may also request an absentee ballot, which for the first time requires no stated reason to need one, under the “No Excuses Absentee Ballot Law.“
Voters can download the Civilian Absentee Ballot Application from the county clerk’s web site at
http://www.ucnj.org/ctyclerk/absent04.html
On that form, they will not only have to actually print the name of the write-in candidate, but must also “fill in the oval” on the form in order to be counted.
Here’s the sticking point: How shall the candidate be written in?
To use the favorite example of disgruntled voters, “Mickey Mouse” will count as one candidate, but “M. Mouse” or “Mickey M.” will be tallied separately.
In addition, candidates cannot now just shovel absentee ballots at prospective voters and then drag them to the County Clerk’s office.
The new regulations specifically forbid candidates from assisting voters in completing absentee ballots or delivering them.
According to Rajoppi’s office, requests for absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 1 in order to receive a general election ballot by mail. Requests may also be made in person at the County Clerk’s office before 3 p.m. on Nov. 7.
There is a downloadable Absentee Ballot form at the County Clerk’s web site, but not all computers can get it. The alternative is to call (908) 527-4360 to get one.
On Election Day, Nov. 8, all results are unofficial. The County Clerk certifies the results on the Monday following the Tuesday election.
The Democratic candidates on the ballot will include Jon Corzine for governor, Sharon Robinson-Briggs for Plainfield mayor, Rashid Burney for the 2nd & 3rd Ward at-large unexpired term and Elliott Simmons for the 4th Ward seat.
The only city Republican on the ticket will be Al Coleman for the 2nd & 3rd Ward seat, with Doug Forrester running as governor. The mayoral and 4th Ward seats have no GOP candidates.
Bob Ferraro is running as an independent for the mayoral seat.
--Bernice Paglia
posted by Bernice at 8:48 PM
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