The Write-In Candidate
A six-foot-tall anthropomorphic pencil is running for governor of Oregon, aiming to spotlight the state's low literacy rates.
Overview
J. Schuberth, a former college professor and literacy advocate, is campaigning under the name "Pencil" to draw attention to Oregon's literacy crisis. Donning a six-foot-tall anthropomorphic pencil costume, Schuberth encourages voters to write in "Pencil" on their ballots as a protest vote against what he calls failed Democratic leadership on education.
Key Details
- The Costume: A six-foot-tall anthropomorphic pencil suit worn by Schuberth.
- The Issue: Oregon fourth-graders rank last in reading according to one national analysis.
- The Argument: Schuberth contends that Democratic leadership has failed to improve education outcomes and hopes the write-in campaign will signal public discontent.
- The Process: Pencil will be a write-in candidate in both the primary and general election. Under Oregon law, write-in votes are only individually tabulated if the total write-in count exceeds the leading candidate's vote tally.
- The Investment: Schuberth has spent nearly $30,000 of personal funds on campaign materials.
Background
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat, is seeking re-election. A group of Republicans is competing for the chance to challenge her. Kotek has made literacy a priority, pushing for new reading programs and legislation allowing state intervention in underperforming districts. Schuberth criticizes these measures as inadequate.
Statements
Governor Kotek acknowledged literacy problems, stating: "We have a problem when it comes to literacy and reading and writing in our state. That's why it's been a priority for me since my first year as governor."
- Schuberth said the write-in effort would be a "wake-up call" indicating voters are willing to support an inanimate object to express dissatisfaction.
- Several Portland residents at a farmer's market expressed willingness to write in Pencil as a protest vote, while some indicated they still preferred Kotek to win.
Outlook
Pencil is not expected to win the election, as Oregon's constitution does not permit an object to hold office. The campaign's impact will depend entirely on whether voters use write-in votes as a form of protest and how those votes are ultimately counted.