Certified write-in candidates for CD-20, AD-32 races

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The California Secretary of State has certified a list of candidates eligible to receive write-in votes for two key races being contested in the March 5 primary.

Shirley Weber, the California Secretary of State, released a list of certified candidates on Feb. 23, for the various federal and state races being held in California on March 5, including the 20th Congressional District and the California 32nd Assembly District.

Who is running for the 20th Congressional District seat?

Contrary to popular belief, a voter can not just write any name on a ballot and have it officially count in a race. The process to be a write-in candidate includes filing nomination papers within the district they wish to run and collecting signatures from voters within the district.

Below are eligible write-in candidates:

20th Congressional District write-in candidates

• James V. Cardoza (No party preference)

32nd Assembly District write-in candidates

• David Duane Wood (D)

• Ian David Smith (R)

• Ken Weir (R)

• Thomas Joseph Willis (R)

T.J. Esposito, who suspended his campaign for the full term in the 20th Congressional District, was ruled ineligible as a write-in candidate for the 32nd Assembly District, 17 News reported Monday.

Could Fong set a precedent for how many times a candidate can appear on a ballot?

Candidates had between Jan. 8 and Feb. 20 to submit their nomination papers which included having at least 40 verified signatures to be eligible.

Write-in candidates can only run in the primary and must come in first or second to move on to the general election.

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