California Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) has introduced AB 2233. For special elections, the bill lowers the number of signatures in lieu of filing fee. Currently 3,000 signatures in lieu of filing fee are required for U.S. House and State Senate, and 1,500 for Assembly. In regular elections, the signatures can be gathered over a period of 120 days. But in special elections, the period is shorter. The bill says that the number of signatures should be reduced in proportion to the length of the special election time period. Thanks to C.T. Weber for this news.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
California should switch to a petition for qualifying for the primary, with a fee in lieu of petition.
A reasonable number might be 1/10 of 1% of the gubernatorial vote in the district.
For US representative this would average 191; for senate 253; and the assembly 127 signatures.
The in lieu of petition fee could be based on the minimum wage and a reasonable collection rate of 10 minutes per signature. This would make each signature worth $1.33, and the fee for representative would aver $191. senate $253, and assembly $127.
For statewide office this would 10,096 signatures or $13,462.