How Does the Write-In Process Work for Burlington's Local Election?

This article is a part of the Burlington Buzz Election 2025 Series, in which we profile each candidate and issue on the local election ballot. This year's election is on April 5, 2025, and our mission is to make it easy for all registered voters to vote by ensuring the community has access to information about the candidates and issues on the ballot. ELECTION CORNER

The work done by Burlington's local government influences the daily experiences of residents, visitors, and workers in a tangible way. Elected officials and the departments they oversee make decisions that impact everything from the way buildings and outdoor spaces look to the amount of money residents pay for trash pickup to the available recreation activities and much more.

The local election will culminate in just under a week, and while most races at least have enough candidates to fill the open seats, many races are uncontested and Precinct 1 still has an open one-year seat with no candidate.

Luckily, Burlington can still have all seats filled the night of the election, and while it's late in the game some competition could be introduced with enough effort. How? Via write-in candidates.

How to Become a Write-in Candidate

You can read about the requirements to run as a write-in or sticker candidate on the Secretary of State website, but here’s a summary of the practical steps to take.

1. Call the Town Clerk’s office at 781-270-1660 and let them know you plan to run. That way, they’ll have your contact information to let you know on Saturday evening if you won. While you're at it, send an email to hello@burlington.buzz so we can get the word out.
2. Tell everyone you know that you’re running and why. Be sure to also give them your address, because that information is required for a write-in. Note that for Town Meeting roles, only voters in your precinct will be able to cast a valid vote for you.
3. Print out a few sheets of labels with your name and return address to hand out the day of the election.
4. Be ready on Election Day to stand in a conspicuous (but approved) place with your stickers and maybe a poster, letting voters know about your candidacy and why they should write you in. The Town Clerk can tell you where such a place would be, but know there are state laws preventing campaigning within a certain distance of a polling place.

Maybe you don't want to run, but you know someone who does.

How to Vote for a Write-In Candidate

To vote for a write-in candidate, all you have to do is find the appropriate line and write in their name and address. Check out your sample ballot here (and, if you need to, figure out what precinct you’re in here) so you can get a look before going to the polls.

Remember: Only Town Meeting candidates from your precinct will appear on your ballot, and you can only write in a TM candidate from your precinct.

If the Buzz hears from write-in candidates, we’ll create a post where you can learn more about them.

Early and Mail-In Voting for the April 5, 2025, election is underway. Vote in person at the Town Clerk's office through April 3 during regular business hours (8:30-4:30 Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and 8:30-7:00 Wednesday) or by mail with your mail-in ballot. If you haven't requested yours yet, the last day to do so if March 31. Ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM 0n Saturday, April 5. Election Day is Saturday, April 5, at Burlington High school from 8:00-8:00.