Write-in votes for Mayor?
Kari Chisholm
As far as I can tell, it seems that social media is aflame with discussion about various possible write-in votes in the Portland mayor's race.
I had been correcting people saying, self-assuredly, "you can't do a write-in on a run-off election." Makes sense to me, given that the field has been narrowed to a top two.
But I was wrong.
I just checked in with Eric Sample, the eminently helpful communications guy at Multnomah County Elections. And the answer is: Yes, you can vote a write-in, even in a run-off election.
KATU News tweeted today that they'll have a new SurveyUSA poll out in the Mayor's race tomorrow. No word yet on whether they included "write-in" or "someone else" as an option.
Write-in suggestions I've heard include Sam Adams, Eileen Brady, Jeff Cogen, Jack Bogdanski, Randy Leonard, Thomas Lauderdale, and Jack Ohman. Any additional nominations for write-in consideration, folks?
For what it's worth, I'm still considering both Charlie Hales and Jefferson Smith. But this flirtation with a write-in feels like a lovely respite for the moment.
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4:33 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
+1 for whoever suggested Thomas Lauderdale -100 for whoever suggested Randy Leonard
5:08 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
I would LOVE to elect Jack Bogdanski. My guess is he'd find it a lot harder to govern than carp about those who do.
7:10 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
amazing how many suggestions i've seen for non-Portlanders.
7:28 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
Well, the fair thing to do is to write in Eileen Brady, who sought the office and might still be interested.
She's a perfect choice for those who failed to vote for her in the primary and who have, since the general election campaign started, suffered from severe voter's remorse.
7:30 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
Interesting. The Charter seems to be specific in when you can nominate (ie, write in) someone--and it only mentions it for a general election, in the context of a situation where no one ran in the primary. (!!) The strong implication to me was that the time for nominating of any kind, whether by filing fee, application, or write-in, was before the choice had been specifically narrowed down to two.
That said, there's not really a practical reason to disallow them in the general even if there are two candidates already...is there? What if both candidates were caught in a secret power sharing conspiracy for after the election? So while I was wrongly confident it wasn't allowed too, I think in the end it's the right thing to do.
3:45 p.m.
Oct 11, '12
It doesn't aeally matter what the law says, a write in will have exactly the same effect as an undervote.
7:31 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
Jack B would never get anything done except yelling out his window at the kids to get off City Hall's lawn.
8:36 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
Once again a failed blogger attacks a successful blogger on another's blog. Give him a big hand folks.
8:56 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
Who else thinks if Sam Adams was on the ballot this fall he would win going away against either candidate?
9:27 p.m.
Oct 9, '12
If I write in "Tax Cheat," will it be counted as a vote for Hales?
12:33 p.m.
Oct 10, '12
I'd relish the opportunity to vote for Sam Adams for another 4. I think the only way this would be viable is if Sam publicly stated he would be open to 4 more if written in. Would the local political machine tolerate such a move from an incumbent this late in the election season remains to be seen.
9:55 a.m.
Oct 11, '12
I will write in Dan Handelman, as the mayor is usually the police commissioner. Or maybe will write in Jo Ann Hardesty, for the same reason.
2:32 p.m.
Oct 11, '12
I don't think a write in would give our "fair and balanced" media outlets enough time to assassinate their character and gin up some stories.
11:04 p.m.
Oct 11, '12
Personally, I'd like for us to take a ride in the way-back machine and get Steve Novick into this race.
11:27 p.m.
Oct 14, '12
I'm writing in Eileen Brady for mayor. If you can't stomach any candidate please consider joining me!