New Write-In Candidate for Burlington's Local Election
Write-in candidates for the local election are one way to fill offices without enough candidates to fill the open seats
A couple of weeks ago, we reminded you that the time has not passed for you to become a candidate for this year's election. While the easiest way to get your name onto the local election ballot is to obtain nomination papers and return them with the requisite number of signatures, another way is to run as a write-in or sticker candidate.
A write-in candidate must do some work to raise awareness about their candidacy: Since their name isn't on the ballot, they'll need to talk with voters to explain their platform and let them know to write in their name and address on the ballot.
Voters can write in a candidate for any office on the ballot, provided they know the candidate's name and street address. And writing someone in (provided they receive enough votes and accept the seat) is one of the ways to fill offices without enough candidates for the number of seats available. For this year's election, the only such seats are in Town Meeting Precincts 2 and 7.
The Buzz learned yesterday of a write-in candidate for Precinct 7, and we encourage you to go learn about him in the Town Meeting Profiles. Remember that you must write the address of any write-in you provide on your ballot.
We have also recently posted a profile of Board of Health newcomer, Marwa El-Sabbahy, who will in all likelihood earn her seat alongside incumbent Andrea Sheehan, taking the place of current Vice-Chair, David McSweeney, who is retiring after the current term. She hopes to bring a new perspective to the Board and complement the range of knowledge and experience currently represented. Learn more about Marwa in her Candidate Profile.
Learn about all the candidates for election, including profiles, interviews, debates, and more, before you vote.
There are a number of options for voting this time around:
- Early in-person voting: through April 4 during Town Hall hours of operation
- Vote by Mail: ballots must be in by 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 6
- Vote in person on Election Day, April 6, 2024, at Burlington High School, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
Above all, though, vote! Your local government makes the decisions that affect your daily life, and your input is important!
