Candidates seeking to have their name on the May 15th Primary Election ballot must pass Nominating Petitions.  Candidates or their staff will obtain petitions from the proper filing authority and prepare them for circulation.

Depending upon the office, the number of signatures vary.  Republican candidates must gather signatures of registered Republican voters from within the district of the position being sought.  Supporters and volunteers may help the candidates acquire the required number of signatures; they will obtain their petitions from the candidate or his/her campaign staff.

Voters may sign petitions for only the number of candidates to be elected.  For instance, two county committeemen will be elected from each precinct so voters may sign up to two petitions.  Only one US Congressman will be elected from each district, so voters may sign only one nominating petition for that position.

The petition season lasts only three weeks.  Most candidates must collect the petitions from their volunteers well before the final filing date so they can prepare their filings.

February 13 — First day to circulate petitions

March 6 — Last day to circulate petitions and file petitions

March 12 — Last day to withdraw by candidates who filed nominating petitions