The Natural Law Party was organized in the United States in the spring of 1992, but its founders disbanded it in 2004. Nevertheless, it remains on the ballot in a few states. In California, it will be removed from the ballot in November 2006, since the law requires a party to poll 2% for at least one statewide nominee, and no one filed in its primary.
In Hawaii, the law is ambiguous. Since it was on the ballot for 3 elections in a row (1996-2000), it is entitled to be on automatically for another 5 elections, or through the 2010 election. However, it is possible Hawaii’s Elections Departments will still consider it disqualified since no one filed in its primary in 2004. The filing period for 2006 ends in July.
In Idaho and Michigan, it is possible that individuals who have not been associated with the party in the past will obtain the party’s nomination. In Idaho, a party remains on the ballot as long as it has at least 3 nominees for state or federal office. In Idaho, where the party nominates by primary, filing ends March 17. The Michigan deadline for a party to submit nominees (chosen by convention) is not until July.
The party is also qualified in Florida and Mississippi, states in which any party that submits a list of state party officers is considered qualified.
What’s the story behind why the Natural Law Party disbanded?
The founder of the Natural Law Party, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, called for the disbandment in December, 2000. The Natural Law Party of other countries, such as the United Kingdom, disbanded at that time, but the Natural Law Party in the United States wanted to make one more attempt during a Presidential year. Many of the leaders of the Natural Law Party backed the candidacy of U.S. Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) and there was talk of cross endorsements for awhile. In November of 2004 the Natural Law Party still had ballot status in 11 states.
In attempting to gain ballot access in Idaho for our newly formed United Party we were introduced to the Natual Law Party. After several productive conversations we came to an agreement to place candidates on the ballot within the Natural Law party. We hope to continue to offer voters alternatives and new ideas to address our issues. Obviously the ideals and ideas of the Natural Law party struck a nerve with millions of voters around the country, we think a new name The United Party might make these important ideas more accessible and productive.
Thanks,
Andy
This may be a minor point, but state election laws would be a little tidier if they provided some mechanism for a party to notify the state that it is going out of business. Otherwise, an empty shell like Natural Law might be available to anyone who wants an almost free ballot line to use temporarily.