Ted FolkmanOkay, #bospoli, is there some kind of rule of etiquette that says I ought to sign someone’s petition to get on the ballot if I’ve never heard of the candidate? Or even if I have heard of the candidate but don’t support him or her? I got balled out this afternoon at the Roche Bros. for declining to sign for someone I had never heard of. @universalhub
Jonathan Kamens 86 47@tedfolkman @universalhub Well, I think they just gave you a very good reason not to vote for that candidate, eh?
@tedfolkman @universalhub Seriously, you absolutely should not sign for a candidate you know you don't support, and if you don't know anything about the candidate, you should feel free to politely decline or ask the canvasser for more information about the candidate before signing.
Note that you're only allowed to sign for as many people as you will be allowed to vote for. So e.g. in a district city council race you need to live in the district and you can only sign for 1 candidate.
Note that you're only allowed to sign for as many people as you will be allowed to vote for. So e.g. in a district city council race you need to live in the district and you can only sign for 1 candidate.
@jik @universalhub good to know!
Ruben Rodrigues@tedfolkman @jik @universalhub There's no justification for being rude, and you shouldn't sign anything you don't want to, but in Mass. you can sign multiple candidates petitions. ( https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/getting-on-the-ballot/How-to-Run-for-Office.pdf ) I personally don't have qualms signing petitions for folks I don't know or wouldn't end up voting for under the idea that if you're organizing folks and putting yourself out there, that's to be rewarded... but I also wouldn't force that on anyone.
@rubenr @tedfolkman @universalhub Yes, for statewide office you can sign for multiple candidates. Not so for municipal elections. See the link in the thread to the relevant law.
@jik @tedfolkman @[email protected] didn't see a link, but you appear to be correct https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/file/2021/02/2021%20GUIDE%20TO%20RUN%20FOR%20MUNICIPAL%20OFFICE%20.pdf. I will be more judicious with my signatures in the future! (Though I do like the more open State model, philosphically).
Aria Stewart
Brian Sniffen@jik wait what? I can only sign one petition to get someone on the presidential ballot?
@briansniffen We are talking about Boston local elections.
Also, I don't know what the rules are for presidential elections, but I'm pretty sure in most states presidential candidates don't get onto the ballot via petitions.
Also, I don't know what the rules are for presidential elections, but I'm pretty sure in most states presidential candidates don't get onto the ballot via petitions.