Gardner sets date for filing period to begin, but not the primary

Presidential candidates may not know exactly when the New Hampshire primary will be, but they did learn this afternoon when they could sign up to be on the ballot.

New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner announced the filing period for candidates will begin October 15 and end November 2.

As is state tradition all a potential candidate needs to qualify for the ballot is $1,000, a filled out form, and be at least 35 years-old.

This would be the earliest filing period ever. Normally the filing period opens up in November and candidates typically make a show out of filing their paperwork in the state house. A new law allows Gardner more flexibility in selecting the filing dates.