Folks are encouraged to send in a petition form with as many signatures as can be. If their own signature is all they can muster, that's very much appreciated. Anyone who has passed their 18th birthday can circulate the petition. Circulators do not need to be registered voters, nor do they even need to reside in the state.

Here's the instructions:

TO PRINT OUT THE FORM:

* Go to the web page at http://www.MarylandIndependentParty.org

* Click on the "petition form" link (it's near the top)

* When the form displays, print one or however many you think you might need. It's a great idea to have at least one spare blank at all times.

TO PREPARE THE FORM FOR USE:

* Read the circulator affadavit at the bottom and fill in (but don't sign it yet) the circulator name/address/etc info. Your signature as circulator should only be added after all other folks have signed.

* Fill in the county name in the blank at the top.

TO OBTAIN SIGNATURES:

* The only signatures that will actually be counted as valid are those of voters who are registered in the County specified at the top of the form.

* All you need is the form, but having a working pen at the ready and a rigid surface for folks to write on, like a clipboard or a thin notebook, is a good idea. Any color ink is fine.

* The highest success rate might be going door to door in your own neighborhood. If you'd like a list of the names and addresses of the registered voters on the street(s) you want to hit the next day, call Steve Schulin at 240-751-7286. He will email you a nice walking list.

* Here's a sample "pitch": "Hi, I'm your neighbor from down the street. Would you please give your permission for a new party to have candidates on the ballot? We need to submit 10,000 signatures to the state." You can be extending the clipboard for them to accept by the time you say please. A lot of folks will have it in hand and say "Sure" without hesitation or questions. If they do ask questions, you're certainly free to answer. A common question is about what our party believes. I typically answer by saying "Our God-fearin', liberty-lovin', sovereignty-conservin' platform is a joy to read -- you can see it on the website www.MarylandIndependentParty.org "

* While the folks are filling out their line, help guide them through. "Today is 11-04-08 ... Please print everything until the signature... (and if they hesitate at date of birth) ... The state requires the date of birth ..."

* "Thank you very much. Are there any other registered voters who might sign, too?"

TO SEND IN THE COMPLETED FORMS:

* Be sure to sign and date the Circulator Affadavit at the bottom