"Write-In" candidate added to MLS vote choices

Seattle MLS has announced their ballot choices that fans can vote from to name the new Major League Soccer franchise. Added to "FC," "Alliance" and "Republic" is a chance to "Write In" your favorite choice. See my choice in the video below.




Here's the press release:



SEATTLE, WASH. — Soccer fans are invited to vote for the name of the new Major League Soccer team in Seattle. The online vote will begin on Thursday, March 27 at 12:01 a.m. (PT) and conclude on Monday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m. (PT). Fans can register their vote at www.mlsinseattle.com.

“We received nearly 6,000 submissions for a total of 2,382 suggested team names,” said MLS Seattle majority owner Joe Roth. “We are committed to build one of the fan friendliest teams in the league.”

Fans will be allowed one vote per unique email address. MLS Seattle season ticket holders will be given the privilege of receiving the same number of votes as deposits purchased.

MLS Seattle has hired Votenet™ Solutions, Inc. to provide a secure online voting system and Deloitte & Touche to recount the votes.

“The team name will be symbolic of the collective excellence we are working hard to create with our club. The identity of the club will ultimately come from making quality decisions at every turn of the road with the opportunity to create a brand unparalleled in American soccer,” said Vulcan Sports & Entertainment President Tod Leiweke.

“The three proposed names each have their own unique story and in addition, we will ensure all of our fans voices are heard as we will include a fourth option, a ‘write-in’ vote for fans who are passionate about another name.”

The winning name will be revealed at a news conference that fans will be able to watch via live webcast on Monday, April 7 at 11:00 am (PT) at www.mlsinseattle.com.

Fans will be able to choose between three names along with having space for a “write-in” option. The names are:

Seattle Alliance

A bond or connection; an association to further the common interests of the members.

Seattle Alliance brings together fans, coaches, and players to form a unified group to celebrate the game of soccer.

Seattle FC

FC is a common international soccer acronym that stands for football club.

Seattle FC is a global seal to encompass all fans, coaches, and players in the World’s Game.

Seattle Republic

An association in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote; a body of persons freely engaged in a specific activity.

Seattle Republic represents a call to all fans, coaches, and players to unite.

Write-In Vote:

For fans who are passionate about another name.

MLS Seattle, which currently has just over 13,000 season ticket deposit holders, will play its complete 18-game home season at Qwest Field beginning in March 2009.

Ticket information can be obtained at www.mlsinseattle.com.