ElectionChamp
Write-in nominations: how typed names are counted
Nomination questions let members type the names they want to put forward. Here is how those names are counted and what to do next.
Write-in nominations happen on a nomination question, where each member types the names they want to nominate. ElectionChamp groups exact matches and shows a count for each unique name. Different spellings of the same person appear as separate entries. Election ballots have no write-in field, so run nominations as their own vote first, then build the election ballot from the confirmed nominees.
How write-in nominations work
A nomination question is one of the question types you can add in step 3 of the setup wizard, Ballot. Instead of picking from a list, members type a name into the question. Nomination questions are the only place in ElectionChamp where members can write in a name.
The results group exact matches together and show how many times each unique name was entered. Ballots are anonymous, so the count shows the names nominated, never who nominated them.
Spelling variants show as separate entries
Grouping uses exact matches. "Priya Shah" and "Priya Sha" count as two different names, and so do "Tom Reyes" and "Tomas Reyes".
Example: an 85-member PTA opens nominations for treasurer, and 58 members respond. The results show:
| Name as typed | Count |
|---|---|
| Priya Shah | 21 |
| Tom Reyes | 17 |
| Dana Whitfield | 15 |
| Priya Sha | 3 |
| Tomas Reyes | 2 |
Read together, Priya Shah has 24 nominations and Tom Reyes has 19. The committee decides whether to combine variants under its own rules, and records the decision.
How to cut down on spelling variants
- Use the voter instructions on the question to ask members to type the nominee's full name as it appears on the membership list.
- Share a list of eligible members with the nomination notice, if your rules allow it.
- Agree in advance how the committee will treat obvious misspellings, and write it down.
Check your bylaws and counsel for nomination rules, such as how many nominations a candidate needs to qualify.
Run nominations first, then the election
Election ballots have no write-in field. A regular election question offers only the candidates you list, so members cannot add a name there. Plan two separate votes:
- Create a nomination election with one nomination question per position, and set a clear deadline.
- When it closes, review the counts, combine variants under your rules and confirm each nominee is willing to stand.
- Create a new election and add the confirmed nominees as candidates, with photos and bios if you like.
- Choose one of the voting methods for each position, such as plurality or ranked choice, and launch.
Step 3 needs a new election because a ballot locks at launch. Each election is priced on its own, so for the 85-member PTA, nominations cost $10 and the election costs $10. Groups of 20 or fewer pay nothing for either. See pricing, online nominations and the nominating committee's guide.
Write-In Nominations Questions
No. Election ballots have no write-in field. Members can type names only on nomination questions.
Each different spelling is its own entry, because only exact matches are grouped. The committee combines variants under its own rules.
Run them as two elections. The election ballot needs the confirmed nominees as candidates, and a ballot locks once it launches.
Yes. Ballots are anonymous, so the results show each name and its count, never who typed it.
Planning a nomination round
Email support@electionchamp.com with questions about nominations or the election that follows. Email support is free for administrators and voters.
Questions? Email support@electionchamp.com