Pennsylvania Representative Paul Clymer expects to introduce a bill on June 14, which would retain the existing number of signatures needed for minor party and independent candidates, but cap the statewide total at 45,000. The aim is to have the bill pass and take effect immediately. This would have no effect in most election years, but this year would be an improvement, since the current requirement this year is unusually high (66,827).
The state’s briefs are due on June 15 in the pending ballot access case in the 3rd circuit, Rogers v Cortes.
The number of signatures required for all offices should be lowered to 1% of the vote. “Minor” parties can not become “major” parties because the requirement bar keeps moving. If a party has a voter registration of 5% they should be recognized as a major party and not have to jump through the ridiculous signature process hoops.