Maryland State Board of Elections Cuts Number of Signatures for Party Status from 10,000 to 5,000, for 2020 Only

On June 19, the Maryland State Board of Elections settled the lawsuit Maryland Green Party v Hogan, 1:20cv-1253. The Board will only require 5,000 signatures for party status, instead of the usual 10,000. The settlement only applies to 2020. Technically the settlement only applies to the Green Party and the Libertarian Party, but probably if another party were to ask for the same treatment, the Board would grant it.

In April, the Board and the Governor had authorized electronic signatures for these petitions, and for independent candidate petitions.

As a result of this settlement, at the current time, the Libertarian Party will be able to place its presidential nominee on the ballot in all 51 jurisdictions by completing various petitions in various states, none of which now require more than 5,000 signatures.

Here is a copy of the settlement agreement.


Comments

Maryland State Board of Elections Cuts Number of Signatures for Party Status from 10,000 to 5,000, for 2020 Only — 10 Comments

  1. So the electronic signatures are allowed? I thought I read in an earlier article here they aren’t?

  2. Unfortunately “electronic signature” means you still have to print out a form at home and mail it in. Here’s the Maryland LP website detailing all of the steps you have to follow exactly: https://lpmaryland.org/petition/
    How many people don’t have printers at home?

  3. “As a result of this settlement, at the current time, the Libertarian Party will be able to place its presidential nominee on the ballot in all 51 jurisdictions by completing various petitions in various states, none of which now require more than 5,000 signatures.”

    This is very exciting news!!

    As I see it, the LP needs just under 60,000 gross signatures spread across 14 states. Two deadlines in late July, eleven deadlines in August, and one in September.

  4. More judic legislation.

    Supposed to be election LAWS— NOT *settlements* — as in peace treaties ending wars.

  5. Edward: AL–8000, AK–5000, IA–2500, ME–7500, MD–6000, MN–2700, NH–6000, NJ–1300, PA–7500, RI–1500, TN–600, VA–7000, WA–1500, WI–2500.

    The 6000 in MD and the 7000 in VA are in addition to the 3000 (MD) and the 1500 (VA) we already have.

  6. I thought only 5k valid signatures were needed in Virginia in order to pu the POTUS candidate on the ballot. It takes 10k for other statewide races. Did the signature requirement change?

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