Madison, WI – State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez and State Senator Tim Carpenter have introduced legislation to give candidates and communities more time to circulate nomination papers for spring elections.
Under current law, nomination papers for nonpartisan spring elections may only be circulated beginning December 1, with filing required by early January. This gives candidates roughly 30 days to collect signatures, often during Wisconsin’s harshest winter weather and amid major holidays.
In contrast, partisan election candidates have approximately 45 days between mid-April and early June to collect signatures.
The proposed bill adjusts the start date for circulating nonpartisan nomination papers to November 16, while keeping the same January filing deadline. This simple change creates greater parity between partisan and nonpartisan elections and updates all related statutory provisions to align with the new timeline. This would affect elections for School Board, County Supervisors, City Alderman’s and Local officials, as well as Judges throughout our State.
“Running for local office should be accessible to everyone,” said Rep. Ortiz-Velez. “By opening the window a little earlier, we give community members more realistic opportunities to collect signatures before the holidays and winter weather make it so difficult. Many of the signature requirements for non-partisans seats are higher than partisan signature requirements, so it’s only fair”.
Sen. Carpenter added, “This reform helps ensure fairness, supports grassroots candidates who often rely on volunteers, and strengthens local democracy by making it easier for people to participate.”
