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Bill

Bill

LC 1873

Revise signature gathering process to run as an independent candidate

2025 Regular Session

LC 1873 would revise how independent candidates gather signatures to qualify for the ballot, altering thresholds and validation, affecting signers and campaigns.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LC 1873

Summary of LC 1873: Revise signature gathering process to run as an independent candidate

Overview

  • Bill number: LC 1873
  • Title: Revise signature gathering process to run as an independent candidate
  • Status: Draft Died in Process (as of 2025-05-27); previously Draft On Hold (2025-03-18)
  • Introduced: November 22, 2024
  • Classification/Subject: Legislative bill under Elections, with a focus on ballot access and signature requirements

Purpose and intent

The bill’s title indicates an aim to modify the signature gathering process for independent candidates seeking ballot access. While the full text is not provided here, the core intent appears to be reforming how independent candidates qualify to appear on the ballot, potentially affecting how signatures are gathered, counted, validated, or submitted.

Note: The exact statutory changes (specific thresholds, timelines, validation rules, or permissible methods) are not included in the information available. A full reading of the text would be needed to confirm precise provisions.

Key provisions (inferred categories)

Given the title, the bill would likely address one or more of the following areas. The absence of the bill text means these are probable focus areas rather than confirmed specifics:
- Signature thresholds: Number of signatures required for independent candidates to qualify for the ballot.
- Eligibility of signatories: who may sign (e.g., registered voters, residents of specific districts).
- Geographic or district requirements: distribution of signatures across districts or regions.
- Verification and validation: procedures for validating signatures (timelines, affidavits, challenges).
- Filing deadlines: deadlines by which petitions must be submitted and deemed valid.
- Submission processes: how signatures are collected (paper petitions, potential electronic components, or hybrid methods) and submission to election authorities.
- Remedies and challenges: processes for challenges to signatures or petitions and outcomes if thresholds are not met.

Because the full text is not provided, these are potential areas the bill could address, not confirmed provisions.

Who would be affected

  • Independent candidates: Primary impact would be on the requirements to qualify for ballot access.
  • Voters/signatories: Rules governing who can sign and how signatures are validated could affect participation.
  • Election officials and administrators: May require changes to petition processing workflows, verification, and record-keeping.
  • Campaigns and political organizers: Adjustments to signature gathering strategies and timelines.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: 2024-11-22 (Drafter Assigned)
  • 2024-11-22: Drafter assigned
  • 2025-03-18: Draft On Hold
  • 2025-05-27: Draft Died in Process

The bill has not advanced past the draft stage and is currently listed as having died in process. If revived, it would need sponsor attention, committee consideration, and floor votes to become law.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, could lower or raise barriers for independent candidates to appear on the ballot, depending on the stated thresholds and processes.
  • May affect the workload of election offices due to changes in petition validation procedures.
  • Could influence the strategic decisions of independent campaigns, including timing and resources dedicated to signature gathering.
  • For voters, changes could alter how accessible independent candidates are in elections.

Next steps / What to monitor

  • Obtain the full bill text to confirm exact provisions and impacts.
  • Monitor committee hearings, amendments, and floor actions if the bill is revived or reintroduced.
  • Track related election-law proposals that may interact with or supersede LC 1873.

If you can share the full text or any committee analyses, I can provide a more detailed, provision-by-provision summary.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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