On general election ballots, voters always have the option of writing in a name instead of voting for one of the candidates named on the ballot. However, write-in candidates for some offices need to file a request to have votes for them counted.
Some Elections Only
Write-in votes are only allowed in general elections, and in the March presidential nomination primary if requested by the party chair. Contact each major party to learn about their presidential nomination primary ballot choices.
Write-in candidates for U.S. President and Vice President must each file a written request for their votes to be counted. The two requests must be filed together with the Office of the Secretary of State in a presidential election year. Further details including information about electors and a written request form will be made available in 2024.
A write-in candidate for U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative must file a written request for their votes to be counted. This request must be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State not more than 84 days before the primary (May 21, 2024) and no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 7th day before the general election (October 29, 2024).
Write-in candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor must each file a written request for their votes to be counted. The two requests must be filed together with the filing officer for that office not more than 84 days before the primary (May 19, 2026) and no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 7th day before the general election (October 27, 2026).
A write-in candidate for state or judicial office must file a written request for their votes to be counted. This request must be filed with the filing officer for that office not more than 84 days before the primary (May 21, 2024) and no later than the 7th day before the general election (October 29, 2024).
A write-in candidate for county office must file a written request for their votes to be counted. This request must be filed with the county auditor not more than 84 days before the primary (May 21, 2024) and no later than the 7th day before the general election (October 29, 2024).
A city may adopt a resolution about counting write-in votes for city offices. It may:
It is possible that some charter cities may have additional candidate requirements. A candidate should check the city’s charter for possible additional requirements for write-in candidates.
If nothing is specified by resolution or in charter, all write-in votes are individually tallied without the need for a written request.
A township, school district, hospital district, park district, or soil and water district may adopt a resolution requiring that write-in votes only be individually tallied if the total number of write-in votes is equal or greater than the fewest number of non-write-in votes for a candidate on the ballot. Without such a resolution, all write-in votes are individually tallied without the need for a written request.
Voters may not place pre-printed stickers on their ballot in the write-in space (Minnesota Rules 8230.1450)