Why there are 61 names on your ballot for governor - including Barack Obama
New York Post • • nation
Key Points:
- California's upcoming June 2 jungle primary for governor features an unusually large field of 61 candidates, creating potential voter confusion due to the extensive ballot and randomized name order.
- Candidates qualify for the ballot by paying a filing fee of nearly $5,000 or submitting 6,000 valid signatures, with relatively low barriers contributing to the high number of contenders.
- Some candidates use distinctive or unconventional names, such as "Barack D. Obama Shaw" and "Livingforgod Andcountry Demott," which may further complicate voter recognition and decision-making.
- California law mandates that candidate names appear in a randomized alphabetical order on the ballot, not standard alphabetical order, adding another layer of complexity for voters.
- Despite the large pool, only candidates with significant fundraising or political connections typically gain media attention and voter visibility, while all 61 remain eligible for the general election.
