Process to become a write-in is straightforward

Missed the filing deadline but still want to serve on your local government board? Perhaps running as a write-in is for you.

The process is much simpler. There are no signatures to gather and your candidacy isn't subject to a legal objection. Of course, your name won't appear on the ballot and the burden is on you in a contested race.

"It would require much more campaigning," said Brent Davis, director of election information for the Illinois State Board of Elections. "It's much more challenging obviously, but it's not out of the question."

However, since only an oval and blank space appear on the ballot for a write-in, some voter education would be in order.

"The difficult part is getting people to come out and fill out your name," said Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff.

But in cases where there are fewer candidates than available seats, an unchallenged write-in could be a shoe in, since only one vote would be required and it could be their own.

State law governs procedures for write-in candidates. For the general consolidated election April 7, a notarized "Declaration of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate" must be filed with the proper election authority by the end of business Feb. 5.

There are a few twists regarding primary elections, but generally the write-in process is straightforward. Write-in candidates must give their name and address and the unit of government, office sought and term. Filing the declaration is crucial in terms of preparing the ballot because a space has to be left open. The names of write-ins will be listed on the clerk's website before the election but not on the ballot.

"The only candidates whose votes will be tabulated on Election Day would be those candidates who filed a declaration of intent. There are no signatures required. It has to be notarized," said Debra Nieto, Wyckoff's chief deputy.

In some cases where there aren't enough candidates for available seats, a write-in candidate may be drafted by local officials to fill the opening.

In Libertyville, only two of three incumbent trustees decided to seek re-election and there were no challengers by the time the filing period ended. Since then, two write-in candidates have surfaced, meaning it is a contested race.

So far, only five write-in candidates have surfaced in Lake County: two in Libertyville and one each for the Deerfield library district, Waukegan Unit District 60 and Lake County regional board of school trustees.

Should a write-in win, they need to file a statement of candidacy and statement of economic interests, Nieto said.