What is the signature requirement for candidates in a population over 14,000?

In New Jersey, the requirement for candidates in municipalities with a population over 14,000 is to collect 50 signatures from registered voters to qualify for election. This ensures that candidates have a minimum level of community support before they can appear on the ballot, fostering a more democratic process by requiring candidates to engage with the electorate.

In smaller municipalities, the number of required signatures is typically lower, reflecting the differences in population size and the dynamics of local elections. The requirement of 50 signatures strikes a balance, making it sufficiently challenging to filter serious candidates while still being accessible enough for those who wish to participate in local governance.