By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Secretary of State's office says Ralph Nader's supporters are short of the number of signatures needed to get the independent presidential candidate on the state's November ballot.
He needed 10,000 valid signatures. Backers turned in 12,893, but only 9,006 were ruled valid.
Secretary of State spokesman Spence Jackson says a court challenge is allowed within ten days.
Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese says the campaign is checking into how it might appeal, and would consider going to court.
Another option is for Nader to meet the October 22nd deadline to qualify as a write-in candidate in Missouri.
The Constitution Party presidential candidate, Michael Peroutka, will be on Missouri's November ballot.
The campaign submitted 15,334 signatures. And 11,393 were validated, which tops the requirement.