Ballotpedia's 2012 state executive official election coverage plan
Welcome to Ballotpedia’s one-stop source for information about the 2012 state executive official elections. On this page you can find comprehensive, unbiased coverage of candidates and elections, including links to every state’s general election page on Ballotpedia, election pages for individual governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general races and unique election reporting.
If you have any questions about state executive officials please contact Geoff Pallay.
Overview
Our coverage
We will be covering 84 state executive official elections in 22 states from the day the candidate filing period ends to the day the newly elected officials take office.
Top office vs. Down ballot
At Ballotpedia, we divide the state executives into top offices and down ballot seats, and we provide different types of coverage. Top offices include governors, lieutenant governors, attorneys general and secretaries of state. For those elections, we have separate pages that provide in-depth coverage of every stage of the election, from candidate profiles, primary results and to polling, campaign finance reports, and unique news articles.
The down ballot races also get individual coverage, but the pages are broken out by state instead of by office. For example, the North Carolina "down ballot" races for treasurer, auditor, superintendent of public instruction, insurance commissioner and labor commissioner are grouped together on one page. Each race has a tab that provides background information, links to candidate profiles, results, campaign ads, and much more.
Our candidate pages
There are two types of candidates: current officials who are running for office and new candidates who do not currently hold an office we cover on Ballotpedia. For all candidates we strive to provide you, our reader, with the following information:
- Clear biographical information, including education
- Who the candidates is running against and when the elections will be held
- Campaign finance information
- Links to their campaign website, Facebook candidate pages, and Twitter accounts (where available)
- Election results
Signature filing deadlines
Each state sets the deadline for when candidates must declare for election. Once the filing deadline passes, the state will verify signatures and issue an official list of candidates document. The timing of a document like this varies for each state. Some states will immediately release a document that is an unofficial list of candidates -- meaning it could contain some candidates who ultimately may either withdraw or be disqualified prior to the primary. In these situations, Ballotpedia staff will be adding links to these lists and adding names of candidates to election pages within 1-2 weeks of the list being released. Profiles will then be built of the candidates.
However, in other situations, states do not release any compiled list of candidates until weeks of even months have elapsed past the deadline. In these situations, Ballotpedia staff will work to build as many candidates can based on news reports and direct contact with candidates.
Primary elections
As each primary takes place, Ballotpedia staff will be indicating the winners and losers within 24-48 hours of the primary. Candidates who defeat an opponent in a primary will then have an election box added to the profile. Following the primary, the elections page will be updated to indicate which candidates will appear in the general election.
General election
On election night, Ballotpedia staff will be updating election pages with check marks to indicate the winner of each race.
Original analysis
Throughout the election season, Ballotpedia staff will be creating analysis pages regarding the state executive races. For example:
- Election reports three months, two months, and one month prior to the November general election that highlight the more competitive races and provide predictions for the outcomes of each of the top office races
- Racetracking of races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state
- List of incumbent state executives who are running for a new office
- Feature articles from each state following the candidate filing deadline
2012 election pages
| Click on a state to jump to its section |
 |
Alabama
Alabama state executive official elections, 2012
- Alabama Public Service Commission President (1 seat)
Arizona
Arizona state executive official elections, 2012
- Arizona Corporation Commission (3 seats)
Delaware
Delaware state executive official elections, 2012
- Governor: Delaware gubernatorial election, 2012
- Lt. Governor: Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012
- Insurance Commissioner: Delaware down ballot state executive elections, 2012
Georgia
Georgia state executive official elections, 2012
- Georgia Public Service Commission (2 seats)
Indiana
Indiana state executive official elections, 2012
- Gov/Lt. Gov: Indiana gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012
- Attorney General: Indiana attorney general election, 2012
- Superintendent of Public Instruction: Indiana down ballot state executive elections, 2012
Louisiana
Louisiana state executive official elections, 2012
- Louisiana Public Service Commission (1 seat)
Missouri
Missouri state executive official elections, 2012
- Governor: Missouri gubernatorial election, 2012
- Lieutenant Governor: Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012
- Secretary of State: Missouri secretary of state election, 2012
- Attorney General: Missouri attorney general election, 2012
- Treasurer: Missouri down ballot state executive elections, 2012
Montana
Montana state executive official elections, 2012
- Gov/Lt. Gov: Montana gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012
- Secretary of State: Montana secretary of state election, 2012
- Attorney General: Montana attorney general election, 2012
- Montana down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, State Auditor:
- Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Montana Public Service Commission
Nebraska
Nebraska state executive official elections, 2012
- Nebraska Public Service Commission (1 seat)
New Hampshire
New Hampshire state executive official elections, 2012
New Mexico
New Mexico state executive official elections, 2012
North Carolina
North Carolina state executive official elections, 2012
- Governor: North Carolina gubernatorial election, 2012
- Lieutenant Governor: North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012
- Secretary of State: North Carolina secretary of state election, 2012
- Attorney General: North Carolina attorney general election, 2012
- North Carolina down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Treasurer
- State Auditor
- Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Commissioner of Agriculture
- Commissioner of Labor
- Commissioner of Insurance
North Dakota
North Dakota state executive official elections, 2012
- Gov/Lt. Gov: North Dakota gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012
- North Carolina down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Treasurer
- State Auditor
- Commissioner of Insurance
- Public Service Commission
Oklahoma
Oklahoma state executive official elections, 2012
- Oklahoma Corporation Commission (2 seats)
Oregon
Oregon state executive official elections, 2012
- Secretary of State: Oregon secretary of state election, 2012
- Attorney General: Oregon attorney general election, 2012
- Oregon down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Treasurer
- Commissioner of Labor
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania state executive official elections, 2012
- Attorney General: Pennsylvania attorney general election, 2012
- Pennsylvania down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Treasurer
- Auditor General
South Dakota
South Dakota state executive official elections, 2012
- South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (2 seats)
Texas
Texas state executive official elections, 2012
- Texas Railroad Commission (2 seats)
Utah
Utah state executive official elections, 2012
- Governor: Utah gubernatorial election, 2012
- Attorney General: Utah attorney general election, 2012
- Utah down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Treasurer
- State Auditor
Vermont
Vermont state executive official elections, 2012
- Governor: Vermont gubernatorial election, 2012
- Lt. Governor: Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012
- Secretary of State: Vermont secretary of state election, 2012
- Attorney General: Vermont attorney general election, 2012
- Vermont down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Treasurer
- State Auditor
Washington
Washington state executive official elections, 2012
- Governor: Washington gubernatorial election, 2012
- Lt. Governor: Washington lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012
- Secretary of State: Washington secretary of state election, 2012
- Attorney General: Washington attorney general election, 2012
- Washington down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Treasurer
- State Auditor
- Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Commissioner of Insurance
- Commissioner of Public Lands
West Virginia
West Virginia state executive official elections, 2012
- Governor: West Virginia gubernatorial election, 2012
- Secretary of State: West Virginia secretary of state election, 2012
- Attorney General: West Virginia attorney general election, 2012
- West Virginia down ballot state executive elections, 2012:
- Treasurer
- State Auditor
- Commissioner of Agriculture
2012 election dates
| 2012 State Executive Primary Information |
|---|
| State | Signature Filing Deadline | Primary Date | Notes/Costs for candidates | Days between Deadline and Primary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1/13/2012 | 3/13/2012 | Candidates for Public Service Commission must submit signatures equal to at least 3% of the votes for Governor in the last general election in the district.[1] | 60 |
| Arizona | 5/30/2012 | 8/28/2012 | Signature requirements for candidates for the Corporation Commission vary with party. Democratic candidates must submit at least 5,124 signatures and no more than 102,475 signatures. Republican candidates must submit at least 5,609 signatures and no more than 112,175 signatures. Libertarian candidates must submit at least 124 signatures and no more than 2,467 signatures.[2] | 90 |
| Delaware | 7/10/2012 | 9/11/2012 | Major Party Fee will be set July 2012.[3] | 63 |
| Georgia | 5/25/2012 | 7/31/2012 | Candidates for Chairman of Public Service Commission must pay a filing fee of $3,493.57.[4] | 67 |
| Indiana | 2/10/2012 | 5/8/2012 | Candidates for Governor must submit a Statement of Economic Interest and 4,500 signatures, with at least 500 from each of Indiana's 9 congressional districts.[5] Candidates for Attorney General of Indiana must submit a Statement of Economic Interest.[5] | 74 |
| Louisiana | 8/17/2012 | 11/6/2012 | Candidates for Public Service Commission must pay a $600 qualifying fee and a $300 state central committee fee. Candidates may submit at least 5,000 signatures, with no less than 500 signatures from each distirct, in lieu of fees.[6] | 81 |
| Missouri | 3/27/2012 | 8/7/2012 | Candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer must pay a $200 filing fee.[7] | 133 |
| Montana | 3/12/2012 | 6/5/2012 | Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor must pay a filing fee of $1,945.29. Candidates for Secretary of State, State Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction must pay a filing fee of $860.18. Candidates for Attorney General must pay a filing fee of $1,040.77.[8] | 85 |
| Nebraska | 3/1/2012 | 5/15/2012 | Candidates for Nebraska Public Service Commission must pay a $750 filing fee.[9] | 75 |
| New Hampshire | 6/15/2012 | 9/11/2012 | Candidates for Governor must pay a filing fee of $100 or 200 signatures.[10] | 88 |
| New Mexico | 3/20/2012 | 6/5/2012 | Candidates for Public Regulation Commission must pay a $50 filing fee. Democratic candidates from District 1 must submit at least 646 signatures. Republican candidates from District 1 must submit at least 941 signatures. Democratic candidates from District 3 must submit at least 1,095 signatures. Republican candidates from District 3 must submit at least 697 signatures.[11] | 112 |
| North Carolina | 2/29/2012 | 5/8/2012 | Candidates for Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Labor, and Commissioner of Insurance must pay a filing fee equal to 1% of the annual salary of the office sought.[12] | 69 |
| North Dakota | 4/13/2012 | 6/12/2012 | Candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Commissioner of Insurance must submit signatures equal to at least 3% of the total votes cast for the candidates of the same party for the same office in the last general election (No more than 300 signatures required).[13] | 60 |
| Oklahoma | 4/13/2012 | 6/26/2012 | 74 | |
| Oregon | 3/6/2012 | 5/15/2012 | Major party candidates for Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Commissioner of Labor must pay a $100 Filing Fee. To be included in the Voters Pamphlet major party candidates must pay $3,000 or submit 500 verified signatures.[14] | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | 2/14/2012 | 4/24/2012 | Candidates for Attorney General, Treasurer, and Auditor General must pay a $200 filing fee. Candidates must also submit 1,000 signatures, with at least 100 signatures from 5 districts. | 70 |
| South Dakota | 3/27/2012 | 6/5/2012 | Candidates for Public Utilities Commission Chairperson will be nominated at the 2012 state Republican and Democratic conventions of each political party.[15] | 70 |
| Utah | 3/15/2012 | 6/26/2012 | Candidates for Governor must pay a filing fee of $536. Minor party candidates for Governor must submit at least 1,000 signatures and pay the same filing fee.[16] | 102 |
| Vermont | 6/14/2012 | 8/28/2012 | Both major and minor party candidates for Governor must submit at least 500 signatures.[17] | 75 |
| Washington | 5/18/2012 | 8/7/2012 | Candidates for Governor, Commissioner of Insurance, and Commissioner of Public Lands must pay a filing fee equal to 1% of the annual salary of the office.[18] | 81 |
| West Virginia | 1/28/2012 | 5/8/2012 | Candidates for Governor must pay a filing fee of $1,500. Candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture must pay a filing fee of $950.[19] | 101 |
Footnotes
- ↑ Alabama Secretary of State "Candidate Guide" accessed December 8, 2011
- ↑ Arizona Secretary of State "Partisan Signature Requirements" accessed January 7, 2012
- ↑ Delaware Secretary of State "2012 Election Calendar" accessed December 12, 2011
- ↑ Georgia Secretary of State "Filing Fees" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Indiana Secretary of State "Candidate Guide" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State "Qualifying Fees" accessed December 12, 2011
- ↑ Missouri Secretary of State "Candidate Filing" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ Montana Secretary of State "2012 Offices and Filing Fees" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ Nebraska Secretary of State "Filing Fee Schedule" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ New Hampshire Secretary of State "Filing for Office" accessed December 11, 2011
- ↑ New Mexico Secretary of State "2012 Candidate Guide" accessed December 12, 2011
- ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections "Candidacy Filing Fees" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ North Dakota Secretary of State "Running for Statewide Executive" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ Oregon Secretary of State "Candidate Filing" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ South Dakota Secretary of State "Upcoming Elections" accessed December 11, 2011
- ↑ Lieutenant Governor of Utah Elections Division "Becoming a State Candidate" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ Vermont Elections Division "2012 Becoming a Candidate" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ Washington Secretary of State "Filing for Public Elective Office" accessed December 9, 2011
- ↑ West Virginia Secretary of State "Offices on the Ballot 2012" accessed December 9, 2011
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