Explanation of Write-in Reporting Categories
“SCATTERED” These are valid write-in votes for persons not on the ballot.
- If the total number of write-ins did not exceed the number achieved by the candidate(s) on the ballot and would not have affected the outcome, the write-ins were grouped together as “Scattered”.
- If there was not a candidate listed on the ballot, the write-in votes were separated by names. If one or more names had multiple votes, they were listed individually. Any write-in votes that received less than the individually listed names that would not change the outcome were grouped together as “Scattered”.
“INVALID” These are votes that are not counted.
- The voter filled in the oval next to the write-in line but did not place a name on the line.
- The voter wrote in “Democrat”, “Mickey Mouse”, last name only, etc.
- The voter over-voted by filling in too many ovals for an office.
“DUPLICATE” These are votes that are not counted.
- The voter wrote in the same name multiple times for an office that had multiple positions (i.e. school boards and borough councils).
- The voter wrote in the name of a candidate that was on the ballot.
Any person elected to a position by “write-in” votes must complete the necessary paperwork before their election is official. All winners will be contacted by the Bureau of Elections Office by mail. If the paperwork is not properly filed by the deadline prescribed by the Elections Office, the position will be declared “Vacant” and an appointment will be required to fill the position.