Ballot Access

Open and equal access to the ballot is the political rights issue of 21st Century America. Without all political ideologies having a place in the free marketplace of ideas, on an equal footing with the top two in power, life is like an ice cream shop that only serves two flavors – customers grow weary and no longer buy. America flourishes when its citizens have real choices with which they identify philosophically. America’s representative system of constitutional governance is doomed to fail if voters continue to be offered only vanilla and chocolate when what they really want is mint chocolate chip or a hot fudge sundae.

WHAT IS BALLOT ACCESS?

Ballot access is the process by which candidates are allowed to place their name on the ballot, according to the rules of their state.

WHO IS IN CHARGE OF BALLOT ACCESS?

Ballot access is defined by each state legislature. The rules and regulations are put into place by each state’s Secretary of State, then filtered down to the county, parish, or borough auditors, who run and monitor each election in their respective jurisdictions. These virtually always consist of Republicans and Democrats whom greatly benefit from impeding in the rise of minor political parties in America.

IS BALLOT ACCESS EQUAL FOR ALL POLITICAL PARTIES?

No. Ballot access is generally free and open to all candidates running as Republicans and Democrats. Alternative parties and independents have other steps they must follow which vary from state to state. These steps are often expensive, time-consuming, and convoluted.

HOW CAN I HELP THE CONSTITUTION PARTY GAIN BALLOT ACCESS IN MY STATE?

Contact your Secretary of State’s Office and ask the Elections Department how ballot access works in your state. Most states have a signature petition requirement with very specific rules to follow. You can also:

contact your state party leadership to find out how you can help the Constitution Party gain ballot access in your state.

to find out how you can help the Constitution Party gain ballot access in your state. sign a petition when asked and/or serve as a volunteer petition gatherer.

donate to your state or national party. It costs money to pay signature gatherers and occasionally there are court costs associated with litigation regarding ballot access.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BALLOT ACCESS IN AMERICA

Richard Winger of Ballot Access News is the most highly respected expert on what is happening with ballot access in America today. Visit his website to find out more.

Open and Equal Elections: Home Front with Cynthia Davis podcast featuring an engaging discussion on the topic with former national Constitution Party chairman Jim Clymer and Gary Odom, former national field director. They discuss Ron Paul, George Washington, lawsuits, and why they continue to fight the battle against all odds.

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