Getting
on the Ballot
There are certain
requirements for an issue or a candidate to be placed on a ballot.
North Dakota
In the primary
election, candidates may file a petition containing signatures equal
to 3% of the total votes cast in that party affiliation at the last
general election, or candidates endorsed by established political
parties may file a certificate of endorsement only. One person, from
each of the parties, who has the most votes within that party designation
proceeds on as the candidate for that party in the general election
The ND Constitution
guarantees the right of the people to initiate or refer laws by petition.
An initiated measure is the amending or enacting of new law. A referral
is the process used to "turn back" or repeal legislation passed by
the Legislative Assembly. To get either an initiated measure or a
referral on the ballot, 2% (12,776) of the state population must sign
a petition.
http://www.state.nd.us/sec/initiatingandreferring.htm
Minnesota
In the primary
election, a person running for a statewide office under one of the
major parties in MN (DFL, Republican, Constitution, or Independent
Party) only needs to file a fee. Candidates from a minor party must
file a petition. The number of signatures required on the petition
varies, depending on the position. One person, from each of the parties,
who has the most votes within that party designation proceeds on as
the candidate for that party in the general election
The only way an
issue can be placed on the ballot is if the MN State Legislature has
authorized it to be placed.
