Bernie Sanders supporters celebrate write-in status

While Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are the main players in next week’s presidential election, California voters will be able to choose from five write-in candidates, including Vermont senator Bernie Sanders.

“I know lots of people that don’t support either of them, and obviously Trump is – like – I never ever want to see that happen,” said Geneva Jonick, a student at U.C. Santa Cruz.

In California, a candidate needs the pledged support of just 55 registered voters/delegates to be certified as a write-in candidate. Among Sander’s pledged supporters are four people from Santa Cruz County.

The process does not require a candidate’s support. Sanders is also a certified write-in candidate in 11 other states. KION reached out to the Sanders campaign, but did not receive an immediate reply.

“We’re out here celebrating the fact that people will now know that there is an option to vote for Bernie Sanders in California and in 11 other states where votes are going to be counted,” said Kathy Yurista, a Sanders supporter.

On Tuesday, supporters held “Bernie or Bust” signs on a Highway 1 overpass to remind drivers that Sanders is still a contender.

Santa Cruz County showed tremendous support for Sanders during his campaign visit in May.

At U.C. Santa Cruz, some students said they’d love to see Sanders elected, but don’t think his write-in status is the right move for Democrats.

“Unless something really intense happens and everybody gets on board with Bernie, then I’m probably going to have to vote for Hillary, even though she’s not by far my favorite candidate,” said Jonick. “She’s the only option. Anything at all to keep Trump out. I’d much rather have Hillary over Trump any day.”

Election officials say ballots with write-ins take longer to count amd write-in results will not be reported on election night. The ballots will be counted during the post-election canvass period.

Look for Brandon Castillo’s story tonight at 5 and 6 on KION 5/46.