HOWELL (AP): A high school senior—four days too young to get his name on the local school board ballot—will take his chances as a write-in candidate.

Phil Nichols’ 18th birthday was Feb. 17, 2007. Under state law, candidates on the ballot must be 18 or older by the filing deadline, which was Feb. 13 in the race for the Howell Public Schools Board of Education.

But the requirement doesn't apply to those running a write-in campaign, as long as they’re 18 when taking the oath of office.

Nichols' slogan: “Fill in Phil N.”

“There are no real younger opinions on the school board,” he told the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus for a recent story.

The Genoa Township resident said his campaign budget is $1,000. He plans to post signs, give out magnets and spread his message by word of mouth.

Nichols said he was inspired to run by his opposition to the Livingston Organization for Values in Education. The group has complained about profanity and sexual content of some books assigned to advanced English students at Howell High School.

“Books should not be banned unless the questionable content outweighs the educational or literary value,” Nichols said.

Another priority, he said, would be resolving the labor dispute between the district and the teachers' union.

Nichols plans to attend Eastern Michigan University in the fall, but said he could handle his schoolwork and service on the board.

Other candidates include Jeannine Pratt, Edwin Literski, Doug Moore, Dan Fondriest and Bill Harvey.