Monday, January 4, 2010

Signatures In-Lieu begins TODAY

Candidates for state and federal office can begin collecting signatures in-lieu today. These signatures can be collected in-lieu of paying part, or all, of the filing fee required to run for office. These signatures can also apply to the nomination signatures required later to officially file candidacy.

Republican and Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives need 3,000 signatures to replace the $1,740 filing fee, which works out to $0.58 apiece. 40-60 nomination signatures are required.

Republican and Democratic candidates for the State Senate need 3,000 signatures to replace the $952.91 filing fee, which is about $0.31 each. 40-60 nomination signatures are required.

Republican and Democratic candidates for the State Assembly need 1,500 signatures to replace the $952.91 filing fee, which is about $0.63 each. 40-60 nomination signatures are required.

Candidates for other political parties have different requirement based on the office sought and district.

Filing fees are a big cost for candidates without much campaign money but signatures in-lieu help defray costs. However, it also shows support within an area or district. If a candidate looking to knock off an incumbent barely covers the 40 nomination signatures required it shows weakness. If that candidate gets thousands of signatures in-lieu, WATCH OUT!

You can tell a lot about the different campaigns based on the signatures in-lieu process. We will try and keep the blog updated on who is pulling papers and who has not, and what it means in the districts we cover.

STAY TUNED!!!

4 comments:

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  3. I don't usually comment on these political blogs, but I was glad to see this posting. People need to get involved in the signature gathering process because that is the only way we're going to get these corrupt career politicians out of office. Everyone who is IN office today should be kicked OUT of office next November and the only way we're going to fight the system is with a grassroots effort. Every incumbent at the state and national levels should be looking for a new job next year because every one of them bears the responsibility for our current situation. Let's start over...

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  4. Jake, thanks for commenting on our blog.

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