Northern Star DeKALB — Consolidated elections take place Tuesday in DeKalb, and several candidates are running as write-ins. A write-in candidate is one whose name does not appear printed on the ballot. However, their constituents can hand write their name in to cast their vote. In order for the ballot to be casted for a write in candidate, the candidate must have submitted by a deadline all necessary paperwork, signatures, fees and materials needed for approval, according to a 2020 Ballot Pedia Article. Most states allow the write in ballot to be cast, but some states have limits on which type of write ins count. There are three different categories write-ins can fall under: