YORK COUNTY — If you’re thinking about running for Governor of Maine. and about 25 people apparently are, for the U.S. Congress, State Senate, House of Representative or county office, petition forms are available starting today. 

Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlop said all those looking to have their name on the ballot for federal, state or county public office in 2018, including current office-holders who will seek re-election, must complete the petition forms.

Getting the petitions signed by the required number of registered voters and submitting them to the office of the Secretary of State by the required deadline is where the rubber meets the road. 

 “Prospective candidates can begin collecting signatures on Monday, Jan. 1,” said Kristen Muszynski of the Secretary of State’s office. “Through this petition process, candidates qualify to have their names placed on the ballot for either the primary election or general election.”

Some folks have already signaled their intent to run for  state or county office, by registering with the Maine Office of Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. According to that website, 27 people had signaled their intent to run for Governor of Maine, but two of those have since withdrawn.

Members of the Democratic, Green Independent, Libertarian or Republican parties seeking their party’s nomination must submit their completed petition forms to the office of the Secretary of State by March 15. The primary election takes place on Tuesday, June 12.

Unenrolled, non-party candidates do not participate in a primary and so  have a bit longer. Non-party candidates must submit their completed petition forms to the appropriate municipality for certification by May 25. The forms must then be delivered to the office of the Secretary of State no later than June 1, Muszynski said.

The general election will take place on Nov. 6, 2018. Maine voters will elect one of Maine’s two U.S. senators, Maine’s governor, two representatives to Congress, all members of the Maine Legislature, and in York County, the District Attorney, Sheriff, three county commissioners, Treasurer and Register of Deeds seats are up for grabs. All county offices are four year terms.

The Elections Division within the Maine Department of the Secretary of State provides nomination petition forms to candidates at its office in the Burton M. Cross State Office Building, 4th floor, 111 Sewall Street, Augusta. The forms can be picked up or mailed beginning Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017.

The number of signatures required varies depending on the office and whether the candidate is affiliated with a political party ands is included in the Candidate’s Guide to Ballot Access. The guide provides  instructions for completing and circulating nomination petitions, and is now available on the Maine Department of the Secretary of State website.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.

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