Batman, 'Barry-Ann Maldwin' and 'your mom' submitted as write-in candidates in 2022 Raleigh mayoral race

Raleigh voters let their voices be heard during November’s midterm elections by casting their ballots for several write-in candidates vying for Raleigh mayor.

While incumbent Mary-Ann Baldwin won reelection, Raleigh voters wrote in 1,262 different names for mayor.

However, the write-in candidates for Raleigh mayor did not count because the city’s candidate filing period ran from July 1-15. Wake County’s website shows several criteria for someone running for mayor:

• $250 filing fee, paid by check to the Wake County Board of Elections
• Must bring a valid photo identification
• Must be at least 21 years old by Election Day
• Must be a resident of Wake County within corporate limits of the city of Raleigh

Terrance Ruth and DaQuanta Copeland were the only two challengers to Baldwin who met the July filing deadline.

The 2022 write-in candidates for Raleigh mayor included Batman, “Barry-Ann Maldwin” and “your mom.”

Batman wasn’t the only fictitious character who received votes. Captain America, Spider Man, Scooby Doo, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Cookie Monster also received submissions.

Republican mortgage broker Paul Fitts, who previously ran for Raleigh mayor, the Raleigh City Council and the Wake County Board of Commissioners, was the most popular write-in candidate, receiving 2,191 votes.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump was the second-most popular write-in candidate for mayor, receiving 30 nominations. Former Raleigh Mayor Paul Coble and Mickey Mouse tied for third with 22 submissions.

Several sports figures received votes, including former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, former North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and several different spellings of Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour.

The write-in list goes on and on, ranging from world political leaders, historic figures, to butter.

The next city of Raleigh election comes Nov. 5, 2024. Expect the fun to continue then.