Like D.C. Wire, we’ve heard reports of “Write-in Carol Schwartz” pencils being handed out to voters, some of which have then been left behind in voting booths, in violation of electioneering laws. Could this last-ditch pencil strategy be just the ticket for a Schwartz write-in victory? Maybe, but City Desk is reporting that Schwartz has failed to get her supporters out to a number of important precincts.

Earlier today Mike DeBonis laid out a persuasive argument that Independent Michael A. Brown still probably has the clearest path to victory in the At-large race, which according to Colbert I. King would be bad news for Mayor Adrian Fenty.

So who will win the coveted 2nd At-large spot? We should know tonight, but keep in mind that it could take a while. The DCBOEE will only bother to tabulate write-in votes if enough of them were cast to affect the election. If it’s clear that any one candidate has more votes than the number of write-in votes cast, that’ll be that. Stay tuned to DCist throughout the night for updates!

Photo by NCinDC