Connecticut Representative Timothy Bowles (D-Preston) has introduced HB 6098, to lower the statewide minor party and independent candidate petition from 7,500 signatures to 5,000 signatures. The Green Party is responsible for the existence of this bill.
The Green Party tried and failed to get its presidential nominees on the Connecticut ballot in both 2008 and 2012; also the Libertarians failed to get on for President in 2008. Connecticut petitioning, like petitioning in all the New England states, is more difficult than petitioning in other parts of the country, because the signatures must first be taken to the town clerks for checking and then collected and submitted to the state. Therefore, the existing 7,500 requirement is more difficult than it appears. Thanks to Ken Krayeske for this news.
Below find a copy of the actual bill as presently written. Other CT state Reps have agreed to sign on to this bill. You will notice that the bill’s last sentence addresses the fact that CT third party write-in candidates’ votes are are not being counted in many cities and towns in CT even though these candidates have registered two weeks before the election to qualify for candidate write-in status. This will also be addressed through the legal system. Anyone who would like to help in this effort is encouraged to call 860-919-4042. We are working hard to get a CT Government and Elections committee hearing on this bill and want to add other provisions to the bill that will allow third parties in CT equal rights and fair opportunities to compete in elections and participate fully in the political process.
General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 6098
January Session, 2013 LCO No. 2341
Referred to Committee on GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND ELECTIONS
Introduced by:
REP. BOWLES, 42nd Dist.
AN ACT CONCERNING BALLOT ACCESS FOR STATE-WIDE OFFICES AND THE TABULATION OF WRITE-IN VOTES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
That title 9 of the general statutes be amended to reduce the number of required signatures to get on the ballot for state-wide offices from seven thousand five hundred valid signatures to five thousand valid signatures, and to require that all write-in votes be counted and included in election results.
Statement of Purpose:
To provide easier ballot access for legitimate third-party candidates and to assure that every ballot that is cast is counted and the results promulgated.
Mike DeRosa Co-chair Green Party of CT