The name of a person for whom votes are cast by irregular ballot or by write-in vote in a primary election to nominate candidates for elective office shall not be included on the ballot at the general election unless he received a number of irregular ballots or write-in votes for that office at the primary election at least equal to the number of signatures required on a petition to place upon the primary election ballot the name of a candidate for that office, pursuant to R.S. 19:23-8.
N.J.S. § 19:14-2.1