The lawsuit, filed in 2017, alleges that Georgia’s ballot access laws violate freedom of speech and due process rights guaranteed by the First Amendment and 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

More than 20 independent and third-party candidates have tried to run for the U.S. House in Georgia since 2002, but none has successfully gathered enough signatures, according to the lawsuit.

It’s easier for third-party candidates to qualify for statewide elected offices than for Congress. Statewide candidates must submit a petition signed by 1% of registered voters.

A bill introduced in the Georgia General Assembly this year, House Bill 191, would have reduced the number of signatures required for third-party candidates to seek office.

The legislation, which didn’t receive a hearing or vote, would have required candidates to gather signatures from just 200 voters or 1% of the total number of voters in the last election, whichever is less.