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Writing-in your choice of candidates is one sure-fire way to make certain your vote is not disenfranchised. After everyone witnessed the debacle of butterfly ballots in Florida during the 2000 election, maybe the best way is to write-in your choice on the ballot. Well, Ohio’s various systems present a rather complicated problem for any statewide write-in candidate. This is because 69 counties utilize one system, and 19 other counties use four other variations. (See list at bottom of page for those counties which do not follow main guidelines.) The following guidelines represent the main system, and the sample “privacy envelope” was provided by the Secretary of State’s Office.

The first step involves clarifying exactly where a voter “writes-in” their candidate. It is NOT written on the actual punch card ballot, but rather, it is written on the “privacy envelope” which holds your punch card ballot. The sample below has been unfolded for copying purposes.

A voter must write-in the office sought by the candidate and the candidate’s last name. If two or more people running for the same office share a common last name, then a first name or initial is required for vote tabulation. This should not be an issue for any statewide candidate in this November’s election. It is recommended that voters print on the envelope versus using cursive handwriting, but if precinct workers can read the writing, it will be tabulated.

A voter may use the pencil provided at the voting precinct, but I suggest using your own ink pen as another test of integrity within the system to guarantee your vote counts. I found it strange that petition signatures were required to be made in ink, yet the actual vote only requires pencil......this issue has been presented to the Secretary of State’s Office.

Correct spelling is not essential. Precinct workers need only to be able to make a sufficient determination for whom the voter is casting the vote. For example, if my last name were spelled “Wittman” instead of the correct spelling of “Whitman,” the vote would still be tabulated in our favor.

The most important element in voting for write-in candidates is to remember NOT to punch a vote on the punchcard for any other candidate seeking the same office. You must skip that section, precinct workers will recycle your “double vote,” effectively voiding your ballot. This November, you will find the incumbent candidate for Governor, Republican Bob Taft (with running mate Jennette Bradley). As well as Democratic challenger, Tim Hagan (with running mate Charleta Tavares). You will also find the name of Natural Law Party candidate, John Eastman (with running mate Sadie Stewart). You can cast your vote for us or for any of them by writing-in the name and office on the privacy envelope, but you must leave this section of your punchcard ballot blank, no holes punched. You can then continue to punch holes for other candidates in other offices and for state and local issues. When you turn in your completed ballot, precinct workers are required to check for write-in votes and for double votes.

If you choose to cast a write-in vote, the name must be of an official write-in candidate. If you vote for “Mickey Mouse,” he will not receive any tabulated votes because he is not an officially-declared candidate (although he could do a much better job than some of our currently elected officials). An example write-in vote for our campaign can be seen below.

*The other voting systems used in this state are the optical scan, electronic, and AVM voting machine. Optical Scan Machines are used in Allen, Ashland, Clermont, Coshocton, Erie, Geauga, Hancock, Mahoning, Miami, Ottawa, Sandusky and Washington Counties. Electronic Voting Machines are used in Franklin, Knox, Lake, Pickaway and Ross Counties. AVM Voting Machines are used in Hardin and Lucas Counties. If your are in any of these counties, please ask precinct workers about the specifics for writing-in votes for your candidates.

Paid for by the Committee to elect Whitman and Clark. 

Treasurer, Lana Whitman, 3716 Co. Rd. 31 South, Bellefontaine, OH 43311