The first step to running for office or placing a question on the ballot is to gather the required number of signatures of registered voters on petition papers. The number of signatures depends on the office or the type of question. (See the various Elections Guides for the required number of signatures for a particular nomination or question, time tables and other requirements.) The Election Office supplies the petition papers.
Candidates or question proponents must gather the required number of signatures on the petition papers supplied by the Election Office. Once the signatures are gathered, the petition papers are submitted to the Election Office for certification. The Election Commission will certify the signature of any registered Swampscott voter. (If the paper is for the nomination of a candidate for a party primary, the signatures of voters enrolled in another political party or political designation will not be counted.) If the required number of signatures is certified, the candidate or question will appear on the ballot.
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