SB15 Summary

• Reduces the signature requirement for new political parties to gain ballot access from three percent to one and one-half percent of qualified electors who cast ballots for Governor in the last general election.

• Lowers the petition signature requirement for independent candidates seeking statewide office from three percent to one and one-half percent of qualified electors who voted for Governor in the last general election.

• Maintains existing requirements for independent candidates seeking local offices, which remain at three percent of qualified electors.

• Became effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor on April 26, 2012 (passed Senate 26-5-1).