Considering a write-in candidate for president? Here are your options

Voters line up at the Butler County Board of Elections on the first day of early voting Tuesday, October 6, 2020 in Hamilton. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

Voters line up at the Butler County Board of Elections on the first day of early voting Tuesday, October 6, 2020 in Hamilton. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF

In 2016 Ohio Gov. John Kasich wrote in U.S. Sen. John McCain’s name for president instead of voting for either major party candidate. Needless to say, McCain didn’t win. In fact, he wasn’t even an eligible write-in candidate.

A process exists to become an eligible write-in candidate in Ohio, which includes filling out a form, according to state law. In 2016, more than 16,000 voters wrote in the names of 18 eligible write-in candidates. Most of these went to Evan McMullin.

This year six eligible write-in candidates in Ohio are running for president of the United States, according to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office. They include representatives from obscure political parties such as the American Solidarity Party and the Progressive Party, as well as a man who legally changed his first name to President.

Here are the candidates for president/vice president recognized as eligible write-in candidates for this year’s general election in Ohio:

  • Brian Carroll/ Amar Patel
  • Tom Hoefling/ Andy Prior
  • Dario Hunter/ Dawn Neptune Adams
  • Jade Simmons/ Claudeliah J. Roze
  • Kasey Wells/ Rachel Wells
  • President R19 Boddie/ Eric Stoneham

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