On April 27, Gary Johnson expects to file evidence with the Federal Election Commission that he has qualified for primary season matching funds. The law requires contributions of at least $5,000 from at least 20 states. Individual contributions can be as high as $2,500, but only the first $250 of any individual’s contribution counts toward the matching funds requirement. Johnson believes he has met the threshold in 23 states. If his application is approved, he will be the second person to receive such funding this year. Buddy Roemer is the first.

Candidates who are seeking the nomination of a party may use the funds for ballot access for the general election. The FEC considers the petitioning process to be the equivalent of other activities that also involve the nominating process. Minor party presidential candidates in past elections who have received federal matching funds include Sonia Johnson of the Citizens Party in 1984; Lenora Fulani of the New Alliance Party in 1988 and 1992; John Hagelin of the Natural Law Party in 1992, 1996, and 2000; Ralph Nader in 2000, 2004, and 2008; and Pat Buchanan in 2000.

Jill Stein is also seeking federal funds this year.