Tennessee Files Brief, Defending Petition Requirement for New Parties of 40,042 Signatures

On September 9, the Tennessee state government filed this brief in Green Party of Tennessee v Hargett, which is pending in the Sixth Circuit. The issue is mainly whether the law requiring newly-qualifying parties to submit 40,042 valid signatures is constitutional. Another issue in the case is whether it is constitutional to mandate that the two largest parties are entitled to the top lines on general election ballots.

The state’s brief doesn’t explain why the state requires so many signatures for newly-qualifying parties. Tennessee requires only 25 signatures for independent candidates, and no filing fee. Independent candidate ballot access in Tennessee is easier than in any other state. Clearly Tennessee is not afraid of a crowded general election ballot. So, one wonders, why is Tennessee so strict on having new or minor parties on the ballot?

The state’s brief also does not acknowledge the fact that before 1961, Tennessee required no petition whatsoever for a party to qualify for the ballot.


Comments

Tennessee Files Brief, Defending Petition Requirement for New Parties of 40,042 Signatures — No Comments

  1. The establishment politicians in Tennessee sure do what to keep minor parties off the ballot. When will this drama in Tennessee end?

  2. As you note, there is really no reason to have party nominations, since candidates can so easily qualify as individuals.

    And then the could sell advertising on the ballot. Everyone would get there name. If someone wanted a party name, or slogan, or logo, or picture, they could pay extra.

    Eliminate the partisan primary, and have a runoff if a candidate didn’t get a majority.

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