WARWICK — William Pierce, 19, who had announced his Democratic candidacy for the District 24 House seat held by Republican Joseph A. Trillo, failed to turn in enough nominating signatures to qualify for the November ballot, according to the city’s Board of Canvassers.

Pierce fell short of the requisite 50 after questions were raised about the veracity of some of the signatures he turned in by Friday’s deadline for returning nominating papers, according to Registrar Joseph Gallucci.

Gallucci, who said several of the signatures appeared to be “similar,” said the board this week notified Pierce that it had declined to certify his candidacy and that he could appeal its decision to the state Board of Elections by 4 p.m. Friday.

Pierce, a 2006 graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Pierce, a reservist with the Rhode Island National Guard, announced in February that he would run for Trillo’s seat. Pierce said he served as a page in the U.S. Senate while in high school and has long been interested in government.

Pierce said he works in media relations for a nonprofit health agency and is taking classes at Rhode Island College. At the time of his announcement, he said he was undaunted by taking on an incumbent and planned to take his campaign to the streets, knocking on doors and talking to as many voters as possible.

bpoliche@projo.com