Write-in Candidate

Write-in Candidate Instructions

Registered as a Write-in

When I was collecting voter signatures in late June, I promised several voters that I would file as a Write-in if I failed to obtain enough signatures to qualify for the November 2026 Ballot.  Consequently, in early July, I filed paperwork with the Indiana Election Division to register as a Write-in Candidate for the Fourth Congressional District.

How to Vote for a Write-in

When you present your identification at the polling location, I recommend that you inform the individual checking your ID that you would like to vote for a Write-in Candidate.  Ask them if there are any special provisions needed for you to do this at your chosen polling location.

I recently received a response from the Indiana Election Division and he told me that there are two main options at polling locations:

[1] Direct Record Electronic (DRE) Voting Machines.

For each office you will have an option to select “Write-in Candidate”.  Select this option and it will let you type the name of the Write-in Candidate.

[2] Paper Election Card

Again, there should be an option to select “Write-in Candidate”.  Check this option and print the name of the candidate in the space provided (NOTE: you will need a pen to do this).

Candidate Naming Options

FIRST NAME: David (Dave)

MIDDLE NAME/INITIAL: E.

LAST NAME: Bokash

WFYI Election Video: “What's a write-in candidate?”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pum80bLmJiY