FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2006
Contact: Doug Dunbar
207-626-8404

Secretary of State Issues Reminders to Candidates

March 15th Filing Deadline for Primary

AUGUSTA, MAINE -- Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap reminded candidates for county, state and federal office that the filing deadline for primary nomination petition signatures is approaching.

Candidates enrolled in one of Maine’s three officially recognized parties (Republican, Green Independent, Democratic) must file a required number of valid petition signatures by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 in order to have their name appear on the June 13, 2006 Primary Election ballot.

Candidates who are not enrolled in a political party (unenrolled) must file the required number of valid petition signatures by June 1, 2006 in order to have their name appear on the November 7, 2006 General Election ballot.

The number of required signatures varies by the office being sought and the candidate’s political party enrollment status. A breakdown of the signature requirements accompanies this release.

The Department of the Secretary of State and the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices have prepared a 2006 Candidate’s Guide. It’s available online by visiting www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec. Copies can also be obtained by contacting the Elections Division at (207) 624-7650 or e-mailing SOS.Office@maine.gov.

A listing of candidates who have filed to run for county, state and federal office is available online at www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/2006/Candidatelisting.htm.

Party Candidates, March 15th

Office	Minimum Signatures	Maximum Signatures
United States Senator	2,000	3,000
Governor	2,000	3,000
Representative to Congress	1,000	1,500
State Senator	100	150
Representative to the Legislature	25	40
County Commissioner	50	75
Other County Officers	150	200

Non-Party Candidates, June 1st

Office	Minimum Signatures	Maximum Signatures
United States Senator	4,000	6,000
Governor	4,000	6,000
Representative to Congress	2,000	3,000
State Senator	200	300
Representative to the Legislature	50	80
County Commissioner	100	150
Other County Officers	300	400
Knox County Budget	25	40
Aroostook County Finance	25	40