They are both "write in" because they did not receive the nomination of their respective parties. Because Cheek got enough signatures, his name is actually printed as a choice on the ballot as UNA (unaffiliated?) while Monks name, because he got some but not enough signatures, is
validated to be literally written into the blank space provided on the ballot (as opposed to someone writing in Donald Duck, etc.)
Sample Ballot (pdf file)
Nifong is part of a straight ticket vote. Most of the straight ticket votes are DEM unopposed. I would expect the Repubs to be paying enough attention to vote for the one REP candidate and then vote separately for DA. But will they just "check Cheek" (there's a campaign slogan) or remember to write down "M-O-N-K-S" and check that box.
Alternately, are the Dems who don't like Nifong (let's pray there are some) willing to separately check off the 5 DEM candidates in order to mark Cheek (I assume they won't vote for Monks).
Thanks for the sample ballot. I see how it's set up now. I also see the dilemma. I hope people will be disgusted enough to mark Cheeks name. I'm thinking Monks & snowballs probably have a lot in common. Actually I kind of wish he had just stayed out of it. I don't like a 3 way. Splits the vote too much. I'd like to have seen what would have happened in the primary had it just been Freda & Fonger.
WHO in the hell created this ballot? Wait, don't tell me. Let me guess.
What could possibly be the reason for instruction D? Why would they require a voter to fill in an oval for somebody they DO NOT intend to vote for in order to make their vote valid for the person they intend to vote for?