Write-in candidate same as any other

A write-in candidate could likely fill one of three open seats on the Williams City Council.

Only incumbents Angela Plachek-Fulcher and Pat Ash tossed their hats into the ring during the initial filing period - which will guarantee their names on the November ballot - but a new filing period for write-in candidates begins Wednesday, city officials said.

"Write-in candidates have until Oct. 19 to file," said Interim City Clerk Chuck Bergson, who also serves as the city administrator. "The only difference is that the candidate's name won't appear on the ballot."

While some council members said they were shocked that a write-in candidate could possibly "skate" into a council seat with just a few votes, county election officials say it's no different for any of the candidates in a uncontested race.

"All any of them need is one vote," said county Clerk-Recorder Kathy Moran. "If someone is qualified as a write-in candidate, then they can write their own name on the ballot and get elected."

But that latter is only true if one write-in candidate runs for the seat to be vacated in December for Councilman Eddie Johnson.

Multiple write-in candidates would require the person with the most votes to be elected.

Similarly, a write-in candidate also may challenge an incumbent for their seat, Moran said.

"In that case, as well, the person with the most votes would win," Moran said.

While unusual in Colusa County, the write-in process is not uncommon.

"You always see it in governor, lieutenant governor and senate races," Moran said. "It just takes a lot more responsibility on the part of the voter."

Moran said not only will the voter have to write in the name, but they must also fill in the oval next to the name.

The only thing the county will do is provide a list of the names of all qualified write-in candidates with the correct spelling of their names.

"The rest is up to the voters," she said.

Candidates interested in running for the Williams City Council must be a registered voter, a citizen of the U.S. and resident of the city, and must be at least 18 years old by election day.

The candidate must take out nomination papers and obtain no less than 20 and no more than 30 signatures from registered Williams voters, which will be verified by the county election office, Moran said.

Papers must be completed and submitted to Bergson at Williams City Hall no later than 4 p.m. on Oct. 19.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.