On January 22, the Oklahoma Attorney General issued his first opinion of the year. See it here. It says that the 2016 petitions of the Libertarian and Green Parties need signatures of 3% of the last gubernatorial vote, not 5%. This conclusion is not surprising. But the Oklahoma Election Board had asked for this ruling. When the party filed its notice to qualify as a party by petitioning, back in early 2015, the law still required 5%. Shortly afterwards, the law was eased to 3%. The opinion says it doesn’t matter what the law was when the party filed its notice; what counts is the law in effect when the petition is submitted.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
It’s good to know that the likelihood of lawsuit to block the LP from the ballot has fallen. I can still see the Republican party attempting to file suit. Based on all available information, it would seem that they are afraid to face an election on fair grounds.
SUE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL!
This headline should be edited to include the Green Party.
Does this mean the petition submission is in better shape numbers wise?
David,
Yeah, the LP petition is doing great and well on track to get 3% plus plenty extra.
Dear John Doe, thanks for that suggestion. I agree.
Is the Green Party doing any petitioning in OK?
David, Yes they are. I am not sure about the status of their petition. Richard probably has a better idea. I know that they were not able to raise funds for a paid petition drive, so they may not make it this year. Which is sad. I would want to have as many parties on the ballot as possible.
Last I heard, the Green Party’s petition drive in Oklahoma was virtually nonexistent.