As a result of Senate Bill 662, individuals wishing to file a Declaration of Intent to be a Write-In Candidate must certify at least 61 days prior to an election.  This bill requires candidates to file 61 days prior to an election, so the election authority may eliminate unnecessary write-in lines.  This bill includes an EXCEPTION for a candidate if a challenge to his petitions is sustained after the 61st day before the election.  In this case, the election authority’s ballot certification would include “OBJECTION PENDING” and a write-in line would be provided on the ballot.  If the candidate’s petition has been objected, he can run as a write-in by filing a notarized declaration 7 days prior to an election.