Filing Fee Alternative to Primary Petitions in Illinois, New York

A majority of states depend on filing fees, instead of petitions, for candidates to get themselves on primary ballots.  However, Illinois and New York have always depended on petitions for ballot access in primaries.

Recently, influential persons in those two states have begun to think about changing the ballot access laws to allow filing fees instead of petitions.  In Illinois, a state legislator has tentatively agreed to introduce such a bill next year.  Also, in New York, the New York City Bar Association recently endorsed the idea.  Thanks to Harry Kresky for the New York news, and Christina Tobin for the Illinois news.

The New York recommendation suggests $2,500 for citywide office, and lesser amounts for smaller office.  See the report here.  One advantage to a filing fee alternative is that the government is relieved of the burden of verifying signatures, and the burden on the courts when petition challenges are filed.  Plus, the government gets some revenue.  And the candidate generally saves money, because petitioning is expensive.


Comments

Filing Fee Alternative to Primary Petitions in Illinois, New York — 3 Comments

  1. Electronic signatures on ALL petitions NOW — one more reform to get REAL Democracy in the U.S.A. — to END the EVIL rule of the EVIL party hack gerrymander monsters — the monsters who have produced national bankruptcy, undeclared wars, etc. etc..

  2. -Since NY is a Fusion state, Will a candidate have to get the approval of each party to pay each filing fee to appear on their balllot line?
    -I would like the filing fee have to come from the voters through some type of proportional representation to show there is support for the candidate. A candidate can self-finance a campaign but should need to show support to get on the ballot.

  3. Mike, why should candidates have to show “support” just to get their name on the ballot? Running for public office is one of our basic rights. Demonstrating “support” is one of the same aruments used by the Democrats & Republicans.

    The idea of paying a filing fee in lieu of a petition for Primary elections, is good, but lets bring about more electoral equality by extending this same alternative to independent and 3rd party candidates seeking a position on the General Election ballot.

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