Do Write-In Votes Count?

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A vote for me counts the same as a vote for any other mayoral candidate. I'm registered with the Van Buren County Election Commission using the state's Certification of Write-In Candidacy option. Legislation to allow write-in candidates has been in effect for 50 years.

With a write-in mayor candidate, the voter presses the button next to WRITE-IN below the other candidates. A screen with the alphabet pops up, and you press the orange buttons to spell E V A N S. Then press the DONE button. You'll return to the previous screen to continue your selections.     

This isn't a spelling test. If you spell it wrong and it's anywhere in the ballpark of my name, it still counts as a vote for me. 

Now, if you're the type to get a little nervous in voting situations, you can ask for help with the process of the write-in vote. But you won't receive help with the name or office of a write-in candidate. So you'll need to remember Mayor and Evans. 

If you have additional questions about write-in voting, you can reach out to the Van Buren Election office on Taft Drive. 

Someone asked me recently if you can vote by phone. The answer is no. However, you can request an absentee ballot under certain circumstances. For instance if you are over 60 years old or if you will be out of town on Election Day. 

Please see guidelines for an absentee ballot here:  https://sos.tn.gov/elections/guides/guide-to-absentee-voting