On March 30, the Arizona Senate passed HB 2608 by 17-12. It makes it more difficult for Libertarians to get on their own party’s primary ballot. It does not injure the Green Party. The bill will now go to the Governor.
On March 30, the Arizona Senate passed HB 2608 by 17-12. It makes it more difficult for Libertarians to get on their own party’s primary ballot. It does not injure the Green Party. The bill will now go to the Governor.
Why does it only injure the Libertarian Party? Does it not effect Democrats?
Statewide the Democratic Party does not have that many fewer voters than the Republicans, and the increase is fairly small (about 10%). Technically, the Republicans are also harmed since there are fewer Republicans than independents. Adding the independents to the base more than doubles it, while the percentage is halved.
In districts where there is a large Republican registration advantage, the petition requirements for Democrats will increase substantially. But the Democrats aren’t competitive in those districts.
In districts where there is a large Democratic registration advantage, the petition requirements for Republicans will increase substantially. But in 2014, the Republicans were somewhat competitive in those districts.
So as a practical matter, it may harm Republicans more than Democrats.