What do you do if:

1. The circulator's signature is missing:
   Invalidate entire petition sheet.
2. The circulator's printed name is missing:
   Accept it if all other signature information is complete and identity of circulator can be determined.
3. The circulator's address is missing:
   Invalidate entire petition sheet.
4. The date of the circulator's signature is missing:
   Invalidate entire petition sheet.
5. The circulator signature block is missing from petition page:
   Invalidate entire petition sheet.
6. The circulator's signature is a photocopy not an original:
   Invalidate entire petition sheet.
7. The date of the circulator's signature is prior to date of signature:
   Invalidate that name only.
8. The signer's signature is missing:
   Invalidate that name only.
9. The signer's printed name is missing:
   Accept it if identity of voter can be determined.
10. The signer's address is missing:
    Invalidate that name only.
11. The signer's birth date is missing:
    Accept it if identity of voter can be determined.
    See AG letter of advice May 30, 1989
12. The signer's birth date does not match voter registration records:
    Accept it if identity of voter can be determined, birth date should be verified with the voter.
    See AG letter of advice May 30, 1989
13. The date of the signature is missing:
    The election office must use judgment in this area - if it is absolutely clear from the dates next to the other signatures that the signature without the date was affixed within the proper time frame, accept it - but if there is no way to determine the date of signing, the signature must be invalidated.
14. The address does not match that of the registration:
    Accept it if identity of voter can be determined - follow change of address procedures.
15. The signer used her married name (Mrs. John Smith instead of Mary Smith):
    Accept it if identity of voter can be determined.
16. The signer uses initials or nickname:
    Accept it if identity of voter can be determined.
17. The signer registered to vote after signing the petition:
    Invalidate that name only - was not registered at time of signing the petition.
18. The signer has since cancelled registration, died, or been convicted of an infamous crime:
    If the voter is removed from rolls after the date of signing the petition, the name should be invalidated (AG letter of Jan. 19, 1990). County Boards of Elections use only current voter registration lists.
19. The signer's signature is illegible, but the printed name is clear:
    Accept it if identity of voter can be determined.
20. The petition form does not contain all required information spaces:
    Depends on whether the information is critical - case by case basis.
21. There are signatures on the back of the petition sheet:
    Invalidate those on the back. Accept the signatures on the front of the petition if they are deemed valid.
22. If one or more signatures on petition sheet are invalid is the entire page invalid?
    No - only the signatures that were deemed invalid.
23. Can a signature be removed from a petition?
    Yes - in certain circumstances. Election Law Article, Section 6-203(c)
24. What is the deadline for county boards to certify results of verification?
    Within 20 calendar days after filing of the petition. Election Law Article, Section 6-210(c)
25. Is it permissible for a representative of the petition organization or the opposition to the petition to be present at the county board during the verification process?
    Not legally entitled (not provided for in statute) each county board may establish a procedure.
26. Can a petition organization obtain a copy of signature verification guidelines?
    Yes.
27. When can county boards make results of their verification public?
    After notification of results to proper governmental authorities and candidate or petition filers.
28. When do the petitions become public records?
    At the conclusion of the entire verification process.
29. Whose responsibility is it to notify the petition candidate or petition organization of the verification results?
    
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