Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

capitol.jpg
Time to storm the capitol.

If you know someone who believes in livable streets and is pondering a run for office, here's an encouraging piece of information: It only take 500 signatures to get on the Democratic primary ballot for a State Assembly seat.

The signature requirements [PDF] are posted on the Board of Elections web site, along with the 2008 political calendar [PDF]. The second page of the calendar has a handy set of deadlines for "becoming a candidate." Those 500 signatures have to be submitted by July 10th, according to our reading (we put a request in to the Board of Elections to confirm). The calendar also lists signature requirements for candidates running for City Council (900) and State Senate (1000).

In New York City the Democratic primary is, of course, where most of the action takes place. The primaries will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, and State Assembly and Senate seats are up for grabs this year. Deborah Glick, Hakeem Jeffries, and Joan Millman, among other legislators who failed to support congestion pricing when it mattered, are currently running unopposed, according to Gotham Gazette's "Who's Running for What?" feature. State Assembly incumbents are notoriously difficult to unseat. It'll be hard work and expensive and will probably take more than one election campaign. But first, collecting those 500 signatures will make them a little less comfortable in Albany -- and it could be enough to get the backing of the New York Times.

Photo: stgermh/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Agency Needs More Funding To Expand Delivery Worker Protections

The agency tasked with protecting city workers needs more money to implement recent laws passed to expand protections for delivery workers.

September 22, 2025

Zohran Mamdani On E-Bike Safety: Regulate App Algorithms, Not Workers

The presumptive mayor is joining the war against e-bikes ... on the side of the e-bikes.

September 22, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Nasty Weather in Queens Edition

Hopefully, you were having so much fun this weekend (and you weren't anywhere near Citi Field) that you need our news update. Here you go!

September 22, 2025

Komanoff: Data Show Fewer Trucks in the So. Bronx After Congestion Pricing

Expert Charles Komanoff, using MTA bridge and tunnel data, dispels one of the myths that opponents spread about the Manhattan toll.

September 19, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Mayor’s Mismanagement Report Edition

Revealed: lots more failures of the Adams administration. Plus other news from the perfect day for our editor to test positive for Covid.

September 19, 2025

Friday Video: A Brief Look At What Austin Street Could Be

Check out what a safer, better, more vibrant Austin Street could look like.

September 19, 2025
See all posts