Chicopee, Massachusetts, holds an election for School Board members on September 21. Incumbent member James Tanhauser failed to get on the ballot for re-election. As a result, the voters will see only one name on their ballots for his seat. Tanhauser needed 50 signatures to be submitted by noon, and he was five minutes late to submit the petition. Massachusetts permits write-in voting.
He was tardy.
He should be able to write “I will not be late again” 50 times and be placed on the ballot.
A tax-crazy state like Massachusetts ought to smarten up and allow candidates the option of getting on the ballot with filing fees.
I agree with Walter. My opinion, all that petition signature nonsense should be eradicated and filing fees instituted. If you are a serious candidate, kick out some dough to get on the ballot.
Candidates should have both options, or better yet get rid of gov printed ballots.
IMO, filing fees for ballot access help cover the costs of printing the ballots. It’s a very logical fee.
On the other hand, petition signatures cost both the candidates (in terms of either time, or money if they hire petitioners), and the election department time and money to certify the petitions. A total waste at both ends.
If the filing fees are too high though, it risks further entrenching the already oligarchical nature of our country’s electoral system and politics, and would also fly in the face of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Many millions of people are low income working class or retired, and deserve to have at least some people with similar backgrounds representing them on the ballot and preferably in government too. I think Mike has the right idea, so long as the alternative petition option isn’t as insane as, say, Illinois or New York’s signature requirements.
@JH
I never suggested getting rid of petitions altogether. Let those who want them have them.
There are too few candidates anyway. More ways of getting them on the ballot at reduced cost to the state should be considered.
With write-in voting why have fees or petitions? Just let the people choose without the hassle.