Prospective write-in candidates in Illinois must file paperwork with the county clerk, or election authority, in each jurisdiction where their name will appear on the ballot.
In suburban Cook County, a write-in candidate must file a Write-in Candidate Declaration of Intent form at the Cook County Clerk’s downtown Chicago office, 69 W. Washington St., Fifth Floor.
Voters can vote for a write-in candidate on a paper ballot or a touch screen.
Casting a vote for a write-in candidate
On a paper ballot:
- Write the name of the write-in candidate on the line provided in a particular race.
- Mark the corresponding oval
In single-vote races, no other votes can be cast in a race where a write-in vote was cast. In multiple-vote races, a voter may cast one or more votes for write-in candidates, but is limited to the number of votes allowed in a given race.
On a touch screen:
- Press the “write-in” box at the bottom of the list of candidates. A keyboard will appear.
- Type a name using the letters on the keyboard and space key to separate the first and last name.
- When finished, press “OK.”
In single-vote races, no other votes can be cast in a race where a write-in vote was cast. In multiple-vote races, a voter may cast one or more votes for write-in candidates, but is limited to the number of votes allowed in a given race.
Validity of write-in votes
Complete accuracy of a write-in candidate’s name is not necessary as long as the election judges can determine a voter’s intent to select a specific write-in candidate. There should be some relationship between the appearance or sound of the name written or printed on the ballot and that of the write-in candidate’s actual name.
If there is a dispute, a majority of the election judges must agree as to the intent of the voter. If a majority agreement among the election judges cannot be reached, the write-in vote will not be counted.