R 168.784 Processing write-in ballots.

Rule 14. (1) Write-in ballots must be processed by not less than 2 election inspectors of differing political party preference. (2) In processing write-in ballots, the election inspectors shall first determine if a voter has recorded a write-in vote on the designated place for write-in votes. A write-in vote placed in another space must not be processed further. (3) Write-in votes are only counted if they are cast for an individual who has filed a declaration of intent and only if the vote is cast for the position for which the individual filed the declaration of intent. In a partisan primary, a write-in vote cast for an individual who filed a declaration of intent does not count unless the voter writes the candidate’s name on the correct office and party line on the ballot. Write-in votes that do not comply with these requirements are invalid and are not considered when determining whether an overvote has occurred or whether a crossover vote has been cast at a partisan primary. (4) The election inspectors shall next determine if the write-in vote has caused an overvote. A straight party ticket vote and a write-in vote for a partisan office is not an overvote. An individual selection for an office and a write-in for that office must l be considered an overvote, if the total exceeds the number of allowed choices for that office. (5) Where a write-in vote is determined to meet the qualifications set forth in subrules(2) and (3) of this rule and an overvote does not exist, the election inspectors shall enter the candidate’s name, the office, and if a partisan primary, the name of the party on the write-in tally return. (6) When a write-in vote is determined to meet the qualifications set forth in subrules (2) and (3) of this rule and an overvote exists, the election inspectors shall duplicate the original ballot, omitting the selections for the office for which the write-in caused an overvote. A duplicate ballot shall be placed with the other ballots to be tabulated. The envelopes containing the write-in votes must be placed with the other envelopes used in the election and a write-in vote must not be recorded for the office that was overvoted. (7) Write-in votes shall not be tallied until the close of polls on election day.