Questions about nomination and write-in campaign

[ehynick]

Hi, newbee here with a couple questions for all you great revolutionaries!:D

Is Ron Paul allowed to stay in the race as a republican candidate after John McCain has secured the nomination in September?

Depending on that, would a write-in for a republican candidate other than the nominee be counted or would it be a protest vote that would be thrown out even if we got more write-ins than the actual nominee? In other words, does the nominee have any legal status other than his name on the ballot?

[nate895]

His campaign couldn't continue unless it went Independent, otherwise it's just like a campaign that is wrapping up operation and paying off debts (which RP doesn't need to do). The write-in vote would be counted, but it wouldn't appear on the TV coverage of election night.

[LEK]

His campaign couldn't continue unless it went Independent, otherwise it's just like a campaign that is wrapping up operation and paying off debts (which RP doesn't need to do). The write-in vote would be counted, but it wouldn't appear on the TV coverage of election night.

What if the write-in is substantial, could it still garner electoral votes and win?

[Richie]

The write-in vote would or wouldn't be counted. It depends on your state. I live in Maryland, and writing somebody in on the primary ballot isn't even an option on the voting unit. The general election is slightly different - write-ins are an option, but your vote will only be counted if the candidate filed as a write-in candidate with the board of elections.

[nate895]

What if the write-in is substantial, could it still garner electoral votes and win?

In theory yes, but we'd have to find willing electors somewhere, and get Dr. Paul to accept. They probably would say "other" in the results if it is substantial enough. They count write ins before they certify results, but not right away since they have to hand count it.

[ehynick]

write-ins are an option, but your vote will only be counted if the candidate filed as a write-in candidate with the board of elections.

So is Ron Paul allowed to file as a write-in as a republican, or would he be required to file independent sence he is not the nominee?

[nate895]

So is Ron Paul allowed to file as a write-in as a republican, or would he be required to file independent sence he is not the nominee?

If you're a write in, you are a write-in, there is no specifications as to party. If you are nominated by a party without ballot access, you are automatically a write-in candidate in many states.

[ehynick]

If you're a write in, you are a write-in, there is no specifications as to party. If you are nominated by a party without ballot access, you are automatically a write-in candidate in many states.

So he can stay republican and still have his write-in votes be counted!? I think this is then the best option to push for at this point!

Thanks Nate!