(1) Candidates for election as delegates to the national convention of a political party shall qualify by filing nominating petitions no later than twelve o'clock (12:00) noon prevailing time on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(2) which is prior to the presidential election year in the office of the secretary of state in Nashville.
(2) Nominating petitions shall be signed by the candidate and twenty-five (25) or more registered voters who are eligible to vote to fill the position.
(3) Nominating petitions shall bear the name and address of the candidate.
(4) The sufficiency of such petitions, including the requisite quantity and authenticity of signatures, shall be verified by the county election commission.
(5) If the candidate does not file by the deadline specified in this section, the candidate's name shall not be printed on the ballot.