State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Gifford) passed the first bill of his legislative career today with Senate Bill 733, which obtained the unanimous approval of the Senate.

The legislation helps even the playing field for independent candidates seeking nomination against candidates from an established political party. This makes the minimum nomination petition signature requirements the same for all candidates.

"I believe that any individual who desires to run for a political office in this state should not have to fulfill more difficult requirements to do so just because they are not from one of the established parties," said Sen. Frerichs. "This bill will open the door for qualified candidates that previously had trouble getting their name on a ballot."

Currently independent candidates must receive 25,000 signatures for statewide office, 5,000 signatures for Congress, 3,000 signatures for State Senate and 1,500 signatures for State House. However, under current law, established party candidates must only receive 5,000 signatures for statewide office, 600 signatures for Congress, 1,000 signatures for State Senate and 500 signatures for State House.

The legislation makes the filing date for independent candidates, new political party candidates, and established party candidates the same.

"The bill not only gived greater opportunity to independent candidates, but it aides new parties trying to be recognized by the state," added Frerichs. "The change is needed to be fair to new candidates and parties hoping to run for state or local office."

The minimum petition signature requirement for a new state political party and a new local political party will also be changed to match the current requirement of established state and local parties.

The bill will now be discussed by the House of Representatives.