This Denver Post story points out that parties that poll at least 10% of the vote for Governor enjoy a better spot on general election ballots for their nominees. Section 1-5-404 says that major party nominees should be listed first on the ballot, in random order. They are followed by the nominees of the qualified minor parties. They, in turn, are followed by the names of independent candidates, and the nominees of unqualified parties.
Section 1-1-404 defines “major party” to be a party that polled 10% for Governor. Recent polls have showed Tom Tancredo, the Constitution Party’s gubernatorial nominee, at 15%. The story even speculates that it is possible the Republican Party nominee for Governor will poll less than 10%. Most likely, though, is that after November 2010, Colorado will have three “major” parties, as defined by the election law, and they will all have an equal chance for the top spot on ballots.
GREAT NEWS!! I especially like how they randomize the order. Here in the Mountain State, ballot order is by presidential candidate performance. Ugh!
Also, gotta love how both Colorado and Tancredo end in “do.” I wonder if Tom has spoken with the folks at Nike?
A to Z half the ballots
Z to A other half of the ballots
IF equal rotation is not available.
Much too difficult for govt MORONS and the worse MORON courts to understand ?
1-5-404 says that the first positions are reserved for the two major parties. The overall scheme of listing major parties before minor parties has been upheld in court, on grounds that it didn’t prevent a minor party (Libertarian) from obtaining major party status. Perhaps, the court simply decided to disregard the “two” since the term “two major parties” is not defined in the 1-1-404.
The scheme for appointing election judges assumes that there will be two major parties.
Major parties nominate by primary, minor parties do so only in rare circumstances.