Trevor J. Mitchell

TMITCHELL@NEWS-LEADER.COM

After surpassing the necessary 10,000 signatures to get the Green Party on the Missouri state ballot, several groups applied to create official chapters — including one of the newest, the Greater Springfield MO Green Party.

A news release from the group said they want to raise public awareness about voting options beyond Republicans and Democrats.

“Educating the public about additional political choices is an uphill battle,” stated treasurer Vicke Kepling in the release. “According to polls, 76 percent of Americans want other presidential candidates to be part of the debates. The system is rigged when party officials do not respond to the wishes of citizens and instead push their own unethical candidates."

Green Party candidates on the Missouri ballot will include Dr. Jill Stein, U.S. president; Johnathan McFarland, U.S. Senate; Don Fitz, Missouri governor; Jennifer Leach, Missouri lieutenant governor; Carol Hexem, Missouri treasurer; and Robert Debbaut, Missouri representative for District 140.

More information can be found on the group's Facebook page.