Signature requirements
From Ballotpedia
(Redirected from Signature)
Signature requirements to qualify a candidate, initiative, referendum or recall for the ballot are generally set by a constitutional amendment, in those states that allow any type of direct democracy where signatures are required to gain access to the ballot.
There are different aspects to signature requirements. These include:
- The absolute number of valid signatures that must be collected.
- When signatures must be submitted to election authorities.
- Different features of specific signatures that must be in place for a signature to count as a valid signature.
- The form of the petition on which signatures are collected.
- Where and how signatures can be solicited.
- Laws governing the permissible nature of the interaction between a voter and a petition circulator.
Signature requirements, by state
2008
| State | Constitutional amendment | Initiated statute | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | NA | 23,831 | 10% of votes in most recent general election |
| Arizona | 230,047 | 153,365 | 15%/10% of votes for governor in last election |
| Arkansas | 77,468 | 61,974 | 10%/8% of votes for governor in last election |
| California | 694,354 | 433,971 | 8%/5% of votes for governor in last election |
| Colorado | 76,047 | 76,047 | 5%/5% of votes for Sec'y of State in last election |
