Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-02-07-.04 - WRITE-IN VOTES

(1) The county election commission shall provide sufficient write-in envelopes for each election at each precinct on any election day. Any voter desiring to cast a ballot for a candidate whose name is not on the voting machine ballot may request a write-in envelope to be furnished to the voter by the ballot judge (clerk). Punch card ballots and write-in envelopes shall be exclusively used in any election. There shall be no paper ballots used for elections for write-in purposes.

(2) An adequate number of write-in envelopes shall be provided for each polling location. When the voter desires to write in a candidate, the ballot clerk shall issue the voter a punch card ballot and a write-in envelope. Additional write-in envelopes may be issued if needed. Write-in envelopes must be requested by the voter, not offered by the ballot clerk.

(3) Upon issuing a punch card ballot and a write-in envelope to the voter, the ballot clerk will instruct the voter substantially as follows:

(a) "Vote all offices on the punch card ballot except for these offices that you want to write in. Write in BOTH the title of the office and the candidate's name on the write-in envelope as indicated. (Open envelope and show the voter instructions and space for write- in). After you have voted, insert the ballot card with the stub exposed into the envelope pocket and close the flap. Take your ballot and write-in envelope(s) to the ballot box. Do not put your ballot into the ballot box until instructed by the judge. Do you need a pen? (Pens will be supplied to the ballot clerk for write-in purposes). Please give the pen to the judge when you deposit your ballot. Do you have any questions?"

(4) A voter who has cast a write-in ballot shall be instructed as to the proper method of depositing both the punch card ballot and the write-in envelope into the ballot box. The procedure shall be the same as the procedure set forth in rule 1360-2- 7-.07 and such voter shall additionally be advised substantially as follows by the judge: "Insert your ballot card, with the card corners exposed at the bottom of the envelope, into the envelope pocket." Without touching the voter's ballot or write-in envelope, the judge will check to see that this is properly done by checking to see that only the corners of the ballot card are visible at the bottom of the envelope.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-02-07-.04

Original rule filed April 19, 1974; effective May 19, 1974. Amendment filed June 4, 1974; effective July 4, 1974. Amendment filed March 13, 1980; effective April 26, 1980. Amendment filed July 6, 1988; effective October 29, 1988. Repeal and new rule filed August 19, 1994; effective December 29, 1994.

Authority: T.C.A.§§2-910,2-11-201(c).