Trump, O'Malley File for New Hampshire Primary Ballot

A leading Republican and a lagging Democrat became the first major candidates Wednesday to file for New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner (L) shows Democratic presidential candidate, former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley the historic ballot box before O'Malley filed papers to be on the nation's earliest presidential primary ballot, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, at The Secretary of State's in Concord, N.H. AP Photo/Jim Cole

CONCORD, N.H. — A leading Republican and a lagging Democrat became the first major candidates Wednesday to file for New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

Celebrity businessman Donald Trump and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley were among a handful of candidates who signed up to get on the ballot as the filing period opened. Candidates have until Nov. 20 to file for the primary, which is expected to be held Feb. 9.

“Wow, this is some turnout!” Trump said as he entered the secretary of state’s office, which typically is jammed with members of the media and the public when major candidates sign up. Earlier, Trump was greeted by a large crowd of supporters outside the statehouse.

Compared with other states, it’s relatively cheap and easy to get on the ballot in New Hampshire. Candidates must meet basic requirements to be president, fill out a one-page form and pay a $1,000 filing fee.

Secretary of State Bill Gardner watches at left as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shows off his filling fee check after filing papers to be on the nation's earliest presidential primary ballot, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, at The Secretary of State's office in Concord, N.H. AP Photo/Jim Cole