House Bill 26-023

This bill establishes uniform statewide petition signature requirements for candidates seeking placement on primary election ballots and refers the measure to the voters for approval at the November 2026 general election as Proposition A.

The bill sets fixed signature thresholds based on the scope of the office sought. Candidates for school board, city council, and mayor must submit at least 500 valid signatures. Candidates for the State House of Representatives must submit 1,000 signatures. Candidates for county commissioner and other county offices must submit 1,300 signatures. Candidates for the State Senate must submit 1,500 signatures. Candidates for statewide executive branch offices, including Governor and other constitutional officers, must submit 3,000 valid signatures.

All signatures must be obtained from eligible electors residing within the jurisdiction of the office sought. The Secretary of State and relevant election officials are responsible for verification and certification of submitted petitions.

The purpose of the Act is to create clear, consistent, and proportionate ballot access standards designed to ensure candidates demonstrate a measurable level of public support prior to appearing on primary election ballots.

The Act is referred to the people and will take effect only if approved by a majority of voters at the November 2026 general election. If approved, it will take effect upon the Governor’s official declaration of the vote.