How Many Signatures Do You Need to Get on the Ballot?
For political candidates, especially those who are running as independents, gathering voter signatures is a crucial step toward securing a place on the ballot. Successfully completing this process demonstrates that you have a base of support before your name appears before the wider electorate.
Understanding the requirements and strategies for collecting signatures can make or break a campaign, particularly for those without the backing of major political parties. Join us as we explore the reasons this campaign activity is so important and the various requirements in different states. We’ll also offer some advice for how to do it right.
Why Do Candidates Collect Voter Signatures?
Candidates collect voter signatures to demonstrate that they have a minimum level of support for their candidacy. This requirement serves as a gatekeeping mechanism that prevents the ballot from becoming overcrowded with candidates who lack genuine support.
It also helps to ensure that those who appear on the ballot have engaged with voters, and that their candidacy has some degree of legitimacy.
In some states, candidates can collect voter signatures as an alternative to paying a filing fee. This provision is particularly helpful for independent and third-party candidates, who may not have the financial resources or name recognition that major-party candidates typically possess.
States That Allow Signatures Instead of Filing Fees
Several states allow candidates to collect voter signatures instead of paying a filing fee. This option provides a pathway for candidates who have some grassroots support but limited financial resources.
Some states that offer this alternative include:
California: Candidates can submit a petition in lieu of paying the relatively steep filing fee of $1,740 - $3,480. The number of required signatures varies, depending on the office sought.
Illinois: Candidates can choose between paying a filing fee or collecting signatures.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma allows candidates to submit a petition in place of a filing fee.
Texas: Texas provides an option to gather signatures to meet ballot access requirements. This was decided, in large part, as the result of the Supreme Court case of Bullock v. Carter (1972).
This case, one of many filed under generally the same grounds between 1968 and 1974, held that the state’s high filing fees violated the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection clause by preventing the less wealthy or well-connected from running for office.
The case of Storer v. Brown, filed under similar grounds in 1974, found that the signatory requirements in California were constitutional. However, that case did result in a test to determine when a signature requirement becomes unconstitutional.
Basically, when the number of signatures required is divided by the total number of eligible signers, and the result is more than 5%, the requirement presents an undue burden on the campaign and violates the candidate’s 14th Amendment rights.
Differences in Signature Requirements for Partisan and Independent Candidates
The signature requirements for getting on the ballot can differ significantly between partisan and independent candidates. Generally, independent candidates face higher barriers to electoral participation.
This discrepancy exists because there is a perception that because major parties have established structures and wider recognition, it isn’t necessary for them to prove that they have the support to be viable candidates.
Here’s a breakdown of this disparity:
Partisan Candidates: Often need to collect signatures from party members. The number of required signatures is usually lower, reflecting the assumption that party-backed candidates already have some level of organizational support.
Independent Candidates: Typically need to gather more signatures, reflecting the need to show broad, non-partisan support. Signature requirements can be significantly higher, sometimes even double those for major party candidates.
For example, several states and territories require only independent or unaffiliated candidates to file a petition bearing a minimum number of signatures for ballot access.
These are the signature requirements in the handful of states that require ballot access petitions only from independent or unaffiliated candidates:
Alabama: Equal to at least 3% of voters in your district from the previous gubernatorial election
Arkansas: At least 3% of register voters in your district
Idaho: At least 50 registered voters, in lieu of a filing fee
Illinois (minor-party candidates only): 5 - 8% of registered voters in your district, unless it is a new party. Then, you must gather signatures from at least 5% of registered voters in your district
Indiana: At least 2% of the registered voters in your district who voted in the last Secretary of State election.
Mississippi: Petition signed by at least 50 registered voters in your district
Missouri: The lessor from 10,000 registered voters or 2% of the total votes cast for that office in the previous election
Montana: Signatures equal to at least 5% of the total vote for the winner in that office in the previous election
Nebraska: Petition signed by at least 20% of registered voters in your district who voted in the previous gubernatorial or presidential election, whichever was most recent
Nevada: Signatures from at least 100 registered voters in your district
North Dakota: At least 2% of registered voters in your district, but no more than 300 signatures are required
Puerto Rico: Petition bearing signatures of at least 3% of valid straight ticket votes for that same office in the previous election
West Virginia: Signatures of at least 1% of total voters for that same office in the previous election
Wyoming: Petition bearing signatures of at least 2% of total district voters in the previous congressional election
States that require signatures from all candidates have different requirements for major- and minor-party/independent candidates.
For example, in Oregon, major-party candidates can file a signatory petition in lieu of a filing fee equal to the lessor of 500 registered party voters or 2% of party votes cast in the previous presidential election. However, independent candidates must provide signatures equal to 1% of all voters in their district from the previous presidential election.
In New York, senatorial candidates from major parties must file a petition with the names of at least 1,000 registered party voters in their district, while independents must gather at least 3,000 signatures from among all registered voters within the district.
Examples of Signature Requirements for Different Political Offices
The number of signatures required varies by the state and the office sought. Below are examples from states with different signature requirements according to office sought:
Pennsylvania
U.S. Senate: Requires 2,000 signatures for ballot-qualified parties or 2% of the largest total vote for a state position in the previous election for unaffiliated candidates.
Governor: Requires 2,000 signatures.
State Legislature: Requires 1,000 signatures for establishment candidates or 2% of the total vote in that district for unaffiliated candidates.
Judge: Requires 250 - 1,000 signatures, depending on the court.
California
U.S. Senate: Requires 65 to 100 signatures per 1,000 registered voters.
Governor: Requires 7,000 to 10,000 signatures.
State Legislature: Requires 1,500 signatures for State Assembly or 3,000 for State Senate.
Illinois
U.S. Senate: Requires signatures from 0.5% of party voters in your district for major-party candidates, or from 5% of total voters in that district for independents.
Governor: Requires 5,000 signatures for establishment candidates; or signatures from 1% of total voters in previous election or 25,000 signatures, whichever is less, for unaffiliated candidates.
State Legislature: Requires 500 - 1,500 signatures for House candidates and 1,000 - 3,000 signatures for State Senate for major-party candidates; or signatures from 5% of the total voters in the previous election for independent candidates.
Michigan
U.S. Senate: Requires 15,000 - 30,000 signatures for partisan candidates; or 12,000 - 60,000 signatures for unaffiliated candidates.
Governor: Requires 15,000 signatures.
State Legislature: Requires 500 - 1,000 signatures for State House and 1,000 - 2,000 for State Senate, for major-party candidates; or 3,000 - 6,000 signatures for independents.
Texas
U.S. Senate: Requires 5,000 signatures.
Governor: Requires 45,000 signatures.
State Legislature: Requires 500 signatures for State House and 1,000 signatures for State Senate.
Effective Strategies for Signature Gathering
To successfully collect the necessary signatures, candidates need a well-organized plan and a solid ground game.
Here are some strategies to consider:
Start Early: Begin gathering signatures as soon as possible to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure ample time to address any problems with verification or other issues.
Target High-Traffic Areas: Collect signatures in places where large numbers of people gather, such as public events, markets, and busy street corners. You could even host an event to begin building campaign awareness early in the game.
Engage Volunteers: Mobilize volunteers to help with signature collection. A dedicated team can cover more ground and engage with more voters. This can be especially helpful when going door-to-door to ask voters for their support.
Ensure Validity and Aim High: Make sure all signatures are from registered voters in the correct district. Invalid signatures can lead to disqualification, so a good practice is to aim to collect a higher number of voter signatures than the required number. That way, you’ll have some buffer room in case some of the signatures you collected cannot be validated.
Leverage Technology: Use digital tools and social media to coordinate canvassing efforts, track your progress, and engage with potential signatories.
More Resources for Collecting Voter Signatures
As you can see, the signature requirements to get on a ballot can vary greatly from state to state and between different political offices. Navigating the signature collection process is a critical component of running for office, especially for independent candidates.
Understanding the specific requirements and developing an effective strategy can make the difference between a successful campaign and one that falters before it even begins. By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate the process with ease and begin your journey to provide voters with an independent option in the next election.
GoodParty.org can help you plan and execute an efficient and successful campaign. To talk to an expert and get access to free campaign tools, book a demo today.
