Writing a candidate’s name on the ballot may seem like the most important part of write-in voting, but leaving the oval beside that name blank means the vote will not count.
With many write-in candidates seeking local offices, understanding a few Nebraska election rules can help Clay County voters make sure their choices count. The Clay County News confirmed the name requirements with Clay County Elections and reviewed state law.
MYTH:WRITINGTHE NAME ON THE LINE IS ENOUGH TO CAST AWRITE-INVOTE.
Fact: Writing the name alone is NOT enough. Voters must also fill in the oval beside the write-in line for the vote to count.
Even if the candidate’s name is clearly written and spelled correctly, leaving that oval blank means the write-in vote will not count.
Casting a write-in vote takes both steps: Write the candidate’s name on the write-in line under the correct office, then completely fill in the oval beside that line. Before returning the ballot, double-check that both steps are complete. This may be the most important part of the process as there is no assumption of completion if this is not done.
MYTH: A CANDIDATE’S NAME MUST BE SPELLED EXACTLY RIGHT.
Fact: Nebraska law allows a reasonably close spelling of a write-in candidate’s last name. A spelling mistake does not automatically disqualify the vote.
That does not mean voters should leave election workers guessing. Writing the candidate’s name clearly and accurately is the best approach.
MYTH:VOTERS MUST WRITE THE CANDIDATE’S COMPLETE LEGAL NAME.
Fact: Voters do not have to include every part of a candidate’s legal name. Nebraska law allows a last name alone, provided no other candidate for the same office has the same or a substantially similar last name. The Clay County Elections office verified these write-in voting rules, which are supported by Nebraska law and the Nebraska Secretary of State’s published guidance.
For example, a voter choosing Tom White for Sutton mayor could write “Tom White,” “Thomas White,” “T. White” or simply “White,” provided no other candidate for mayor has the same or a substantially similar last name. A middle name or middle initial is not required.
If another candidate for the same office has the same or a substantially similar last name, voters must also write the candidate’s first or generally recognized name. In that situation, use “Tom White” or “Thomas White” rather than “White” or “T. White.” The other candidate does not have to be another Thomas White for this rule to apply.
Writing “Tom White” clearly is a straightforward way to identify the intended candidate. Voters must still fill in the corresponding oval.
MYTH:VOTERS CAN CHOOSE A CANDIDATE LISTED ON THE BALLOT AND ALSO ADD AWRITE-IN CANDIDATE.
Fact: A write-in candidate is one of your choices for that office, not an additional vote.
If the ballot says “Vote for ONE,” choose either a candidate whose name is printed on the ballot or a write-in candidate. Selecting both means voting for too many candidates, and neither vote will count for that office. Properly completed votes in other races will still count.
If the ballot allows voters to choose more than one candidate, any write-in selections count toward that limit. For example, “Vote for up to THREE” means three choices total, including write-ins.
Before returning a ballot, check the number of choices allowed for each office. Make sure any write-in name appears on the correct line and its oval is filled. If you make a mistake, contact Clay County Elections for instructions before returning the ballot.
For anyone considering becoming a write-in candidate for a local office, the filing deadline is Friday, Oct. 23, ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
