The Mahoning County Board of Elections said Friday Jim Traficant has picked up 27 more valid signatures, which could put him at or very close to being on the ballot.
However, the board still has to meet and vote on Monday.
Traficant is looking to run as an Independent in the 17th Congressional District. Friday, his supporters rallied outside of the Mahoning County Board of Elections.
At the time, supporters said that another 100 signatures originally thrown out as invalid should be counted. At last count, they said he was only 20 valid signatures short of getting his name on the ballot.
"It's up to all of us to make sure we get his name on the ballot," said supporter Fred Gibson.
"We just want them to obey the law," said supporter Werner Lange. "Do the right thing and follow the will of the people. Let the people decide this election not the bureaucrats and the lawyers."
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner ordered Mahoning County to hold a formal hearing after the 17th District was unable to decide whether Traficant should be on the ballot.
"I guess we're looking for documentation to back up the claims on signatures," said Tom McCabe, Mahoning County Elections Director. "But all this boils down to is that if they put as much work into getting signatures and verifying signatures as they are now protesting signatures no one would be in this situation."
The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday.
