PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
/BallotAccessRequirements
(For Independent Congressional Candidates)
We agree with the 2016 Constitution Party Platform:
"Each citizen should have the right to seek public office in accordance with the qualifications set forth in federal and state constitutions. Additional restrictions and obligations governing candidate eligibility and campaign procedures burden unconstitutionally the fairness and accountability of our political system."
"To encourage free and fair elections, all candidates must be treated equally. We call for an end to designated "Major Party" status that gives an unfair advantage to some candidates by providing ballot access and taxpayer dollars, while requiring others for the same office to gather petition signatures or meet other more stringent criteria."
We agree with the 2016 Libertarian Party Platform:
"We oppose laws that effectively exclude alternative candidates and parties, deny ballot access, gerrymander districts, or deny the voters their right to consider all legitimate alternatives."
"We oppose laws that effectively exclude alternative candidates and parties, deny ballot access, gerrymander districts, or deny the voters their right to consider all legitimate alternatives."
The Progressive Party encourages everyone to realize that it is your RIGHT to run as a candidate for Congress in order to represent the will of the people who live in your Congressional district.
In many states, the requirements for ballot access for independent candidates for Congress are very reasonable. In the majority of states, no fees of any kind are required. Only signatures on a ballot access petition are needed.
Some states require what we believe is an unreasonably large number of petitions, but any candidate will need far more votes to actually win the election, so getting out into their community to get signatures on a petition is actually the first thing any Congressional campaign should be doing anyway!
One of the main purposes of the Progressive Party is to build an army of volunteers to help progressive independent candidates run successful campaigns. Volunteers can assist by providing their own signature and obtaining the signatures from other members of their community that are required for ballot access.
Most states require signed petitions to gain ballot access. The ballot access petition requirements for independent candidates running for the House of Representatives vary from state to state and are listed below:
In many states, the requirements for ballot access for independent candidates for Congress are very reasonable. In the majority of states, no fees of any kind are required. Only signatures on a ballot access petition are needed.
Some states require what we believe is an unreasonably large number of petitions, but any candidate will need far more votes to actually win the election, so getting out into their community to get signatures on a petition is actually the first thing any Congressional campaign should be doing anyway!
One of the main purposes of the Progressive Party is to build an army of volunteers to help progressive independent candidates run successful campaigns. Volunteers can assist by providing their own signature and obtaining the signatures from other members of their community that are required for ballot access.
Most states require signed petitions to gain ballot access. The ballot access petition requirements for independent candidates running for the House of Representatives vary from state to state and are listed below:
THE GOOD:
25 signatures - TENNESSEE
100 - NEW JERSEY
200 - MISSISSIPPI
300 - UTAH
375 - IOWA
400 - KENTUCKY and MASSACHUSETTS
500 - IDAHO, RHODE ISLAND and VERMONT
THE REASONABLE:
1,000 - MINNESOTA, NORTH DAKOTA, VIRGINIA and WISCONSIN
1,500 - NEW HAMPSHIRE
1,740 - WASHINGTON
2,000 - ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA and MAINE
3,000 - MICHIGAN
THE BAD:
NEW YORK: 5% of the total number of votes cast for governor in the district in the last election, or 3,500, whichever is less.
FLORIDA: Over 4,000 signatures are required in most Congressional districts.
SOUTH CAROLINA - Signatures equal to 5% of VOTES CAST in the previous election are needed.
NEBRASKA - A filing fee of $1,740 AND 4,000 signatures are needed.
KANSAS - A fee of $20 and 5,000 signatures.
THE UGLY:
DELAWARE - Over 7,000 signatures are needed.
GEORGIA - Signatures equal to 5% of ALL REGISTERED VOTERS are needed.
ILLINOIS - Over 15,000 signatures may be required in Illinois.
MONTANA - Signatures equal to 5% of VOTES CAST in the previous election are needed (12,834).
25 signatures - TENNESSEE
100 - NEW JERSEY
200 - MISSISSIPPI
300 - UTAH
375 - IOWA
400 - KENTUCKY and MASSACHUSETTS
500 - IDAHO, RHODE ISLAND and VERMONT
THE REASONABLE:
1,000 - MINNESOTA, NORTH DAKOTA, VIRGINIA and WISCONSIN
1,500 - NEW HAMPSHIRE
1,740 - WASHINGTON
2,000 - ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA and MAINE
3,000 - MICHIGAN
THE BAD:
NEW YORK: 5% of the total number of votes cast for governor in the district in the last election, or 3,500, whichever is less.
FLORIDA: Over 4,000 signatures are required in most Congressional districts.
SOUTH CAROLINA - Signatures equal to 5% of VOTES CAST in the previous election are needed.
NEBRASKA - A filing fee of $1,740 AND 4,000 signatures are needed.
KANSAS - A fee of $20 and 5,000 signatures.
THE UGLY:
DELAWARE - Over 7,000 signatures are needed.
GEORGIA - Signatures equal to 5% of ALL REGISTERED VOTERS are needed.
ILLINOIS - Over 15,000 signatures may be required in Illinois.
MONTANA - Signatures equal to 5% of VOTES CAST in the previous election are needed (12,834).
EXTREMELY TRICKY:
HAWAII - They make it look easy by only requiring 25 signatures and a $75 filing fee, but that only gets the candidate access to the "independent primary" ballot. Very few people choose to vote in the "independent primary," but the candidate on that ballot must get 10% of all the votes cast in order to qualify for the general election.
HAWAII - They make it look easy by only requiring 25 signatures and a $75 filing fee, but that only gets the candidate access to the "independent primary" ballot. Very few people choose to vote in the "independent primary," but the candidate on that ballot must get 10% of all the votes cast in order to qualify for the general election.
FILING FEE ONLY:
NORTH CAROLINA: $1,740 filing fee.
NORTH CAROLINA: $1,740 filing fee.
ALL STATES:
Click on the state name for additional details.
ALABAMA
3% of the total vote cast for governor in the district in the last general election.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 7,310
District 2: 6,818
District 3: 6,977
District 4: 6,998
District 5: 7,845
District 6: 8,434
District 7: 7,208
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
3% of the total vote cast for governor in the district in the last general election.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 7,310
District 2: 6,818
District 3: 6,977
District 4: 6,998
District 5: 7,845
District 6: 8,434
District 7: 7,208
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
ALASKA
1% of the number of voters who cast ballots in the preceding general election.
The requirement in 2020 for Alaska's one at-large district was 2,850 signatures.
The number of signatures required in 2022 and 2024 will vary.
1% of the number of voters who cast ballots in the preceding general election.
The requirement in 2020 for Alaska's one at-large district was 2,850 signatures.
The number of signatures required in 2022 and 2024 will vary.
ARIZONA
3% of the total registered voters who are not members of a political party that is qualified for representation. Requirements are calculated using registration data from March 1 of the election year. No previous example was made available.
3% of the total registered voters who are not members of a political party that is qualified for representation. Requirements are calculated using registration data from March 1 of the election year. No previous example was made available.
ARKANSAS
2,000 signatures, or 3% of voters in the district, whichever is fewer. Generally this means that 2,000 signatures are needed.
2,000 signatures, or 3% of voters in the district, whichever is fewer. Generally this means that 2,000 signatures are needed.
CALIFORNIA
A filing fee of $1,740 OR 2,000 signatures. The filing fee for a candidate seeking the office of United States Representative, is 1 percent of the first year's salary for that office. The fee is paid to the California Secretary of State through the candidate's home county election office. Instead of paying a filing fee, a candidate may submit a petition. Signatures may be collected to cover all or any prorated portion of the filing fee.
A filing fee of $1,740 OR 2,000 signatures. The filing fee for a candidate seeking the office of United States Representative, is 1 percent of the first year's salary for that office. The fee is paid to the California Secretary of State through the candidate's home county election office. Instead of paying a filing fee, a candidate may submit a petition. Signatures may be collected to cover all or any prorated portion of the filing fee.
COLORADO
Signatures totaling 2% of votes cast for the office in the last general election or1,500 signatures are needed, whichever is less. Generally this means that 1,500 signatures are needed.
Signatures totaling 2% of votes cast for the office in the last general election or1,500 signatures are needed, whichever is less. Generally this means that 1,500 signatures are needed.
CONNECTICUT
Signatures totaling 1% of votes cast for the office at the last election, or 7,500, whichever is less. The requirement in 2018 for District 1 was 3,129 signatures. The number of signatures required in other districts will vary.
Signatures totaling 1% of votes cast for the office at the last election, or 7,500, whichever is less. The requirement in 2018 for District 1 was 3,129 signatures. The number of signatures required in other districts will vary.
DELAWARE
1% of all eligible voters. Delaware has over 700,000 eligible voters, so at least 7,000 signatures are needed.
1% of all eligible voters. Delaware has over 700,000 eligible voters, so at least 7,000 signatures are needed.
FLORIDA
A filing fee of $6,960 OR... If a candidate does not file by paying filing fees, he or she may file a petition with signatures equal to at least 1% of the total number of registered voters in the geographical area represented by the office being sought.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 5,381
District 2: 4,824
District 3: 4,970
District 4: 5,772
District 5: 4,531
District 6: 5,479
District 7: 4,952
District 8: 5,466
District 9: 5,440
District 10: 4,683
District 11: 5,622
District 12: 5,331
District 13: 4,953
District 14: 4,718
District 15: 4,795
District 16: 5,559
District 17: 4,978
District 18: 5,303
District 19: 5,052
District 20: 4,288
District 21: 4,935
District 22: 4,906
District 23: 4,729
District 24: 4,017
District 25: 3,749
District 26: 4,252
District 27: 4,110
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
A filing fee of $6,960 OR... If a candidate does not file by paying filing fees, he or she may file a petition with signatures equal to at least 1% of the total number of registered voters in the geographical area represented by the office being sought.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 5,381
District 2: 4,824
District 3: 4,970
District 4: 5,772
District 5: 4,531
District 6: 5,479
District 7: 4,952
District 8: 5,466
District 9: 5,440
District 10: 4,683
District 11: 5,622
District 12: 5,331
District 13: 4,953
District 14: 4,718
District 15: 4,795
District 16: 5,559
District 17: 4,978
District 18: 5,303
District 19: 5,052
District 20: 4,288
District 21: 4,935
District 22: 4,906
District 23: 4,729
District 24: 4,017
District 25: 3,749
District 26: 4,252
District 27: 4,110
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
GEORGIA
5% of the total registered voters eligible to vote in the last election for the office being sought. Arguably the worst state in the union in regards to ballot access.
5% of the total registered voters eligible to vote in the last election for the office being sought. Arguably the worst state in the union in regards to ballot access.
HAWAI'I
In Hawaii, 25 signatures and a $75.00 filing fee is required. This sounds easy, but there is a trick.
In Hawai'i, all candidates, regardless of partisan affiliation, must be nominated via the state's primary election before appearing on a general election ballot. In the primary election, a candidate may run as a nonpartisan or as a member of a political party. Nonpartisan candidates appear on a separate, nonpartisan ballot.
Hawai'i requires an independent candidate to poll 10% in the open primary (or else to outpoll the winner of one of the partisan primaries for the same office).
Very few voters choose an independent primary ballot because generally that ballot has no candidates at all on it.
If you are considering running for Congress from Hawai'i, please recognize the fact that you may be liable for prosecution for war crimes for your actions in office since the U.S. is legally still at war with The Kingdom of Hawai'i.
In Hawaii, 25 signatures and a $75.00 filing fee is required. This sounds easy, but there is a trick.
In Hawai'i, all candidates, regardless of partisan affiliation, must be nominated via the state's primary election before appearing on a general election ballot. In the primary election, a candidate may run as a nonpartisan or as a member of a political party. Nonpartisan candidates appear on a separate, nonpartisan ballot.
Hawai'i requires an independent candidate to poll 10% in the open primary (or else to outpoll the winner of one of the partisan primaries for the same office).
Very few voters choose an independent primary ballot because generally that ballot has no candidates at all on it.
If you are considering running for Congress from Hawai'i, please recognize the fact that you may be liable for prosecution for war crimes for your actions in office since the U.S. is legally still at war with The Kingdom of Hawai'i.
ILLINOIS
5% of the total number of district voters who voted in the last general election.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 13,276
District 2: 12,104
District 3: 11,652
District 4: 8,557
District 5: 14,326
District 6: 15,985
District 7: 12,725
District 8: 10,104
District 9: 14,909
District 10: 12,092
District 11: 11,568
District 12: 13,223
District 13: 13,787
District 14: 15,019
District 15: 13,076
District 16: 12,952
District 17: 11,649
District 18: 14,779
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
5% of the total number of district voters who voted in the last general election.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 13,276
District 2: 12,104
District 3: 11,652
District 4: 8,557
District 5: 14,326
District 6: 15,985
District 7: 12,725
District 8: 10,104
District 9: 14,909
District 10: 12,092
District 11: 11,568
District 12: 13,223
District 13: 13,787
District 14: 15,019
District 15: 13,076
District 16: 12,952
District 17: 11,649
District 18: 14,779
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
INDIANA
2% of the total votes cast for secretary of state in the candidate's congressional district in the last election. No previous example was made available.
2% of the total votes cast for secretary of state in the candidate's congressional district in the last election. No previous example was made available.
KANSAS
A fee of $1,740 OR petition signatures equivalent to 4% of the current total of qualified voters in the district.
No previous example was made available.
A fee of $1,740 OR petition signatures equivalent to 4% of the current total of qualified voters in the district.
No previous example was made available.
LOUISIANA
$900 filing fee OR 1,000 signatures from voters eligible to vote for the office being sought.
$900 filing fee OR 1,000 signatures from voters eligible to vote for the office being sought.
MARYLAND
1% of the total number of voters who are eligible to vote for the office being sought by the candidate.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 5,307
District 2: 4,918
District 3: 5,256
District 4: 5,150
District 5: 5,525
District 6: 5,214
District 7: 5,064
District 8: 5,496
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
1% of the total number of voters who are eligible to vote for the office being sought by the candidate.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 5,307
District 2: 4,918
District 3: 5,256
District 4: 5,150
District 5: 5,525
District 6: 5,214
District 7: 5,064
District 8: 5,496
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
MISSOURI
At least 2% of the total number of voters who voted at the last election for candidates for the office being sought, or 10,000, whichever is less.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 5,488
District 2: 7,521
District 3: 6,492
District 4: 5,866
District 5: 5,676
District 6: 6,108
District 7: 5,929
District 8: 5,288
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
At least 2% of the total number of voters who voted at the last election for candidates for the office being sought, or 10,000, whichever is less.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 5,488
District 2: 7,521
District 3: 6,492
District 4: 5,866
District 5: 5,676
District 6: 6,108
District 7: 5,929
District 8: 5,288
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
MONTANA
5% of the total votes cast at the last general election for the successful candidate for the office being sought.
The requirement in 2020 for Montana's one at-large district was 12,833 signatures. The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
5% of the total votes cast at the last general election for the successful candidate for the office being sought.
The requirement in 2020 for Montana's one at-large district was 12,833 signatures. The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
NEVADA
At least 1% of the total votes cast at the last general election for U.S. Representative, or 100 signatures, whichever is less.
This may be done in one of two ways:
- By submitting a petition containing signatures of registered voters equal in number to at least 1 percent of the total votes cast at the last general election for the same office the candidate seeks
- By submitting a petition containing 250 signatures of registered voters if the candidate seeks statewide office, or containing 100 registered voters' signatures if the candidate seeks any other office.
This appears to mean that 100 signatures are needed.
At least 1% of the total votes cast at the last general election for U.S. Representative, or 100 signatures, whichever is less.
This may be done in one of two ways:
- By submitting a petition containing signatures of registered voters equal in number to at least 1 percent of the total votes cast at the last general election for the same office the candidate seeks
- By submitting a petition containing 250 signatures of registered voters if the candidate seeks statewide office, or containing 100 registered voters' signatures if the candidate seeks any other office.
This appears to mean that 100 signatures are needed.
NEW MEXICO
At least 3% of the total number of votes cast for governor in the previous general election in the district.
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
At least 3% of the total number of votes cast for governor in the previous general election in the district.
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
NEW YORK
3,500 signatures are needed.
Independent candidates seeking placement the general election ballot must be nominated via nominating petitions. Sample forms are provided by the New York State Board of Elections.
3,500 signatures are needed.
Independent candidates seeking placement the general election ballot must be nominated via nominating petitions. Sample forms are provided by the New York State Board of Elections.
NORTH CAROLINA
$1,740 filing fee.
$1,740 filing fee.
OHIO
An $85 filing fee and petitions with signatures equivalent to 1% of all votes cast for governor in the district in the last general election.
The requirement in 2018 varied from 2,025-6,075 signatures.
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
An $85 filing fee and petitions with signatures equivalent to 1% of all votes cast for governor in the district in the last general election.
The requirement in 2018 varied from 2,025-6,075 signatures.
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
OKLAHOMA
A filing fee of $1,000 OR candidates may file a petition containing signatures equaling 4% of registered voters who will be eligible for vote for the candidate in the election. No previous example was made available.
A filing fee of $1,000 OR candidates may file a petition containing signatures equaling 4% of registered voters who will be eligible for vote for the candidate in the election. No previous example was made available.
OREGON
1% of the total votes cast for all candidates for presidential electors in the most recent general election within the electoral district for which the nomination is being sought.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 4,091
District 2: 4,050
District 3: 4,210
District 4: 4,163
District 5: 4,000
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
1% of the total votes cast for all candidates for presidential electors in the most recent general election within the electoral district for which the nomination is being sought.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 4,091
District 2: 4,050
District 3: 4,210
District 4: 4,163
District 5: 4,000
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
PENNSYLVANIA
The candidate must submit a $150 filing fee along with nomination petitions with 2% of the largest entire vote cast for an elected candidate in the last election within the district. No previous example was made available.
The candidate must submit a $150 filing fee along with nomination petitions with 2% of the largest entire vote cast for an elected candidate in the last election within the district. No previous example was made available.
SOUTH CAROLINA
10,000 signatures are required. The petition must contain signatures equaling at least 5 percent of the qualified registered electors in the geographical area of the office being sought. No petition candidate is required to collect more than 10,000 signatures for any office so, essentially 10,000 signatures are required.
Requirements are calculated using registration data from the 120-day pre-election registration report. No previous example was made available.
10,000 signatures are required. The petition must contain signatures equaling at least 5 percent of the qualified registered electors in the geographical area of the office being sought. No petition candidate is required to collect more than 10,000 signatures for any office so, essentially 10,000 signatures are required.
Requirements are calculated using registration data from the 120-day pre-election registration report. No previous example was made available.
SOUTH DAKOTA
1% of the total combined vote cast for governor at the last certified gubernatorial election. Registered party members cannot sign petitions for independent candidates.
The requirement in 2018 for South Dakota's one at-large district was 2,775 signatures.
1% of the total combined vote cast for governor at the last certified gubernatorial election. Registered party members cannot sign petitions for independent candidates.
The requirement in 2018 for South Dakota's one at-large district was 2,775 signatures.
TEXAS
5% of all votes cast for all gubernatorial candidates in the last gubernatorial election in the district, or 500, whichever is less.
There are no filing fees for independent candidates.
5% of all votes cast for all gubernatorial candidates in the last gubernatorial election in the district, or 500, whichever is less.
There are no filing fees for independent candidates.
WEST VIRGINIA
$1,740 filing fee plus petition signatures equal to 1% of the entire vote cast at the last preceding general election for the office being sought.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 1,982
District 2: 2,048
District 3: 1,750
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
$1,740 filing fee plus petition signatures equal to 1% of the entire vote cast at the last preceding general election for the office being sought.
The signature requirements for the 2020 election are listed below:
District 1: 1,982
District 2: 2,048
District 3: 1,750
The number of signatures required for the 2022 and 2024 elections will vary.
WYOMING
A $200 filing fee and petition signatures equivalent to 2% of the total number of votes cast for United States Representative in the last general election.
The requirement for Wyoming's one at-large district in 2020 was 4,025 signatures.
A $200 filing fee and petition signatures equivalent to 2% of the total number of votes cast for United States Representative in the last general election.
The requirement for Wyoming's one at-large district in 2020 was 4,025 signatures.
NOTE:
It is estimated that the 2020 census will cause the redistribution of Congressional districts in 10 states. CLICK HERE for details.
It is estimated that the 2020 census will cause the redistribution of Congressional districts in 10 states. CLICK HERE for details.
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