My memory says you described procedures used in the UK when something was
needed to add new candidates after nomination deadlines.
I cannot find such tonight, so proceed for US needs without assuming such.
DWK
In Sun, 28 Dec 2008 00:38:50 -0000 James Gilmour wrote:
Dave Ketchum > Sent: Friday, December 26, 2008 5:47 PM
I agree that present write-ins are too informal, nominations are too formal
to cover all needs, and UK thoughts might help us with doing
something to fill the gap.
Dave, I'm surprised you should think any UK experience could help with this one
(as you've suggested in a couple of posts), because
our systems for public elections are all based on completely formal nomination.
The details differ, for example, as between local
government elections (local authority councils) and parliamentary elections (at
various levels), and as might be expected, there are
fewer barriers for the former (no fees and no subscribers required). But since
you've asked .............
...
So you see, our system is very rigid compared to the "write-in" provisions that
are common in many parts of the USA. ALL candidates
must be formally nominated, both party candidates and independents, and the
names of ALL candidates will be printed on the relevant
ballot papers. There is NO provision for a "write-in" of any kind and no provision for
"None of the above". (That, of course, does
not stop some of the voters from expressing their opinions very clearly on the
ballot papers!!)
Most UK organisations, large and small, from national trade unions to local
badminton clubs, would follow essentially the same
procedures, particularly with regard to making no provision for "write-ins" and
requiring written confirmation by each candidate of
consent to nomination.
So there you have it - but I don't think it provides many (any ?) useful pointers for a robust
"write-in" procedure. "Write-ins"
are just not part of our political culture, but I do understand and do
appreciate that, in their various forms, they are very much
part of the political culture in the USA.
James
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Dave Ketchum 108 Halstead Ave, Owego, NY 13827-1708 607-687-5026
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