Municipal Elections; Write-Ins

I've had some questions lately about the rules for voting in municipal elections, especially rules for writing in candidates. Here are some answers:

1. The only competitive municipal race in Pamlico County is the three-candidate race for mayor of Oriental;

2. Eight of the nine municipalities in the county have the same number of candidates for board of commissioners as there are open seats. Vandemere is one candidate short;

3. Voters need not vote for any of the declared candidates - they may write in candidates of their own choosing;

4. The ballots contain enough blank lines to write in names for each opening;

5. Voters need not select a candidate for each vacancy - it is acceptable to vote for a single candidate or for none at all (blank ballot);

6. Candidates may, but need not, publicly state their willingness to serve as a write in candidate;

7. Write in candidates who spend ANY money on the campaign must establish a campaign bank account and are subject to the same financial reporting requirements as a declared candidate.