The Filing Deadline
Candidates for federal or statewide offices, and the Iowa legislature, who intend to run as a Republican or Democrat have to have their petitions on file with the Secretary of State by this Friday in order to qualify for the June 2 primary election.
The period for filing paperwork began two weeks ago. The process allows election officials time to make sure the proper amount of valid signatures are submitted in order for a candidate to qualify.
Earlier this year, we had some candidates drop out in the wake of low campaign finance totals, skinny support, or the desire to clear the field and avoid a costly primary. The next test of campaign strength is this week—some candidates who previously announced their runs will drop out, perhaps quietly by failing to file the nominating petitions.
Again, those are for statewide elective offices like governor, federal elective offices such as for Congress, and the Iowa House and Senate. And only for those who want to be on the primary ballot in June; you can petition to be on the general election ballot as an independent until June 2, the day of the partisan primary. That rule makes sure primary losers don’t then pivot and run as an independent in the general election. I’m not a fan of that law, but it’s there.
The window for those who wish to be on a primary ballot for county offices just opened last week, and runs through Friday, March 20.
So if you see a candidate or a somewhat panicked staff member with a clipboard and a nomination petition, go ahead and sign it—the more the merrier, and signing the petition does nothing but say the person should be on the ballot; it’s not an endorsement or anything of the sort.
Good luck with the paperwork…and we look forward to having those candidates talk to you here on the radio soon.
