By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Sept. 24, 2020) Berlin residents who are interested in filing as write-in candidates for the Oct. 6 municipal election have until next Tuesday at 5 p.m. to do so.

Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said residents may obtain a filing packet from her at Town Hall, 10 William Street.

The filing process is the same as regular filing, she added.

“The only difference really is that their name does not appear on the ballot, just that there is a space for a write-in candidate for a given office,” Bohlen said.

All write-in candidates must meet the same minimum requirements to qualify for the election as the 10 candidates who filed to run by the Sept. 4 deadline: they must reside in Berlin, be registered voters in the town and, if running for a district council seat, live within that district.

As of Monday, Bohlen said no one has filed.

“I think that since we implemented the more formal process, no one has ever filed,” she added.

The Board of Supervisors of Elections will certify any write-in candidates at its meeting next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Berlin voters will select a mayor, Districts 2 and 3 council members and an at-large council member to complete Thom Gulyas’ term.

Polling places will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents of Districts 1 and 2 will vote at Buckingham Presbyterian Church at 20 S. Main Street, while residents of Districts 3 and 4 will vote at the Berlin Police Department at 129 Decatur Street.

“We’re keeping with face coverings and social distancing,” Bohlen added.

Registered voters in Berlin are also strongly encouraged to vote by absentee ballot because of ongoing coronavirus concerns.

For more information, contact Bohlen at 410-641-4314 or via email at mbohlen@berlinmd.gov.