Write-in candidate

A write-in candidate is a candidate whose name does not appear on the ballot but seeks election by asking voters to cast a vote for the candidate by physically writing in the person's name on the ballot. Depending on electoral law it may be possible to win an election by winning a sufficient number of such write-in votes, which count equally as if the person were formally listed on the ballot. Writing in a name that is not already on the election ballot is a permitted practice in the United States. Some other jurisdictions have also allowed this practice.