CHARLESTON -- Supporters of Ralph Nader believe they've gathered enough signatures to get the independent presidential candidate on West Virginia's ballot for the general election.

The Charleston Gazette reports that petitions containing 7,500 signatures of state voters were submitted to the Secretary of State's Office on Friday. More than 17,000 signatures were turned in previously and county clerks across the state already have validated more than 12,000.

To get on the November ballot, Nader needs 15,118 valid signatures of registered West Virginia voters.

Albert Marino, state Nader campaign coordinator, told the newspaper that Nader has agreed to campaign in West Virginia. No dates have been set.

Aug. 1 is the deadline to submit petitions.