Voters in the Village of Bayville headed to the polls Tuesday for an unusual mayoral election after no candidates officially filed to run for the position.

With no names printed on the ballot, residents were required to write in their choice for mayor, turning what is typically a routine village election into a rare write-in race for the village’s top office.

Attorney Kevin Casey is among those seeking enough write-in votes to win. Casey said he hopes to build on the progress made under the current administration while finding new revenue opportunities for the village.

News 12 spoke with residents who say that Bayville’s strong sense of community and small-town character are among its greatest assets and should remain a priority for the village’s next leader.

Political strategist Mike Dawidziak said write-in campaigns were more common in village elections years ago, when candidates focused on identifying supporters and ensuring they turned out to vote.

Former Bayville Mayor Doug Watson told News 12 that village elections historically involved organized local parties, but this year the deadline to gather signatures and file petitions passed without candidates securing a place on the ballot.

News 12 reached out to Mayor Steve Minicozzi for comment but did not receive a response.