The Libertarian and Green Party statewide petitions were not challenged in Illinois, so the Libertarian Party is now on the ballot for President in 34 states, and the Green Party in 21.
The Libertarian and Green Party statewide petitions were not challenged in Illinois, so the Libertarian Party is now on the ballot for President in 34 states, and the Green Party in 21.
Yes, we socialists believe in ballot access for ALL parties, unlike certain members of the Illinois Green Party (Rob Sherman) that seek to suppress and expel minor parties from the ballot.
Illinois election law does not define the term “minor party.” Instead, “established party” and “new party” are used. It’s my understanding that the Green Party is a new party in most places throughout Illinois, just like any and all socialist parties. I’ve heard Illinois Greens complain about being challenged in the past. The challenge process is simply part of how elections are currently conducted in Illinois. Everyone needs to expect to be challenged. The best defense is to submit a petition that actually complies with all the requirements and be prepared to defend your signatures. If anything, the real wrath should be reserved for the rules, and those that maintain them, not those that merely play by them. Make efforts to run for office, as you have done, but also make other efforts to get these rules changed.
Yeah, what Timothy said.
What % of the vote(s) of what offices do the LP and GP need to get in the election to maintain ballot access>?
5% for any of the three statewide offices up this year. But that would only make the parties ballot-qualified for the statewide offices in 2018. It would not help for US House or legislature or partisan county office. Only getting 5% for Governor gets full ballot access for all partisan offices. Governor is only up in midterm years.
The three statewide offices up this year are president, US Senate, and a special election for Comptroller.
I would like to clarify that no one gets automatic ballot status in Illinois. Everyone must petition. The difference is that the signature requirements are significantly lower for “established parties” than they are for “new parties” and established parties get state administered primary elections. As Richard indicated, 5% in the race for Governor is the only way that a party can become established not only statewide but also in every political subdivision throughout the state. 5% for any other statewide office only qualifies a party as established for statewide races. In addition, a party can become established in individual political subdivisions, such as a single congressional district. In all cases, the status only holds one election cycle, until the next election for that same office.