Why are some candidates not on the general election ballot?

Dozens of candidates have qualified to run for elected office across North Texas in the Nov. 5 general election, but voters won’t see all of their names on the ballot.

Five candidates in three races qualified as write-ins, meaning residents must manually enter their names to give candidates their vote.

These races in North Texas include:

• US Senator: Tracy Andrus and Analisa Roche
• Texas Railroad Commissioner: Richard McKibbin
• State Representative for District 10: Jennifer Brummell and Jeremy Schropel

In Texas, candidates can run for office by write-in by paying a filing fee or receiving signatures in lieu of a fee, depending on the race.

Some write-in candidates are affiliated with parties not recognized by the state for access to the ballot, such as the Solidarity Party. The only ballots listed are Democrats, Republicans, Greens, Libertarians and Independents. Others do not support any party. Some are registered with recognized parties but did not participate in the primary elections.

Although their names do not appear on the ballot, state law requires local election officials to inform voters about the candidates during early voting and on Election Day. According to the Secretary of State’s website, county election officials are required to post the official list of write-in candidates at each voting booth, on the wall where voters may stand in line, and on each mail ballot.