Nebraska LB 34 is now in effect in the state. It makes it easier for a party to remain on the ballot. On April 29, Governor Pete Ricketts let the bill go into effect. However, he didn’t sign it. Governors typically have three choices on a bill: they can sign it, let it become law without their signature, or veto it. Governors occasionally use the middle option when they don’t want to prevent a bill from going into effect, but they don’t completely approve of a bill.
The bill says a party remains on the ballot if it has at least 10,000 registrants. The old law, which this law supplements, said a party also remains on the ballot if it polls at least 5% for any statewide office at either of the last two elections. Therefore, there are now two means for a party to remain on the ballot instead of just one. Nebraska is one of 18 states which gives two methods for a party to remain on the ballot.
Based on what I’ve read, the LP is on the ballot for 2018 based on 2014 election results, but since Johnson didn’t clear 5% in Nebraska, they weren’t assured beyond 2018. Will this change that, and give them ballot access in 2020?
yes, assuming the party registration stays at the same level, which it almost certainly will. It is almost 12,000 now. But it is conceivable it could fall below 10,000 between 2018 and 2020.
Richard:
Who are the other 17 States?