Too Late for Write-In Council Candidates? No.

Six candidates will vie for three open seats in the East Lansing City Council election on November 5. However, residents interested in pursuing a write-in candidacy can still apply to do so for a couple more weeks.

Applicants must file all required paperwork, including a write-in candidate declaration of intent, with the East Lansing City Clerk’s office by October 25 at 4 p.m.

According to City Clerk Jennifer Shuster, those who file for write-in candidacy are subject to a somewhat different set of regulations than the traditional candidates. Write-in candidates are not required to obtain signatures for a nominating petition, for example.

But to succeed, a write-in candidate has to let voters know exactly how their name should be submitted on the ballot. That’s because write-in candidates will not have their names printed on ballots.

Voters must know exactly what name to use for the write-in candidate, print it correctly in the designated space (on an absentee ballot or a poll ballot), and fill in the oval next to the name. Otherwise, it doesn't count.

Candidates must also follow the Michigan law with regard to campaign finance. Campaign finance disclosures for East Lansing City Council races are regulated by the Ingham County Clerk’s office. County Clerk Barb Byrum’s office is offering a campaign finance training program next Monday, Oct. 14, from 6-8 p.m.

Shuster tells ELi that there are no write-in candidates for this election as of yet.

Related from ELi:

• Learn why you might want to cast only one or two of your three votes
• Find out about a live candidate debate happening on Monday, Oct. 14
• Take ELi’s survey about what issues matter for you in this election
• See ELi’s nonpartisan voter guide