On September 23, the Arizona Libertarian Party and the Arizona Green Party filed this 14-page brief in the Ninth Circuit, in Az. Libt. Party v Bennett, 13-16254. The issue is the state’s voter registration form, which lists only the two largest political parties as choices for a voter to choose a party. The Democratic Party and the Republican Party each have a checkbox on the form. If a voter wants to register into any other party, or as an independent, the voter must check the “other” box and write-in the desired choice.
Even if you don’t normally read legal briefs, consider reading this one. It is very clear and easy to understand and enjoyable to read.
Less than one inch to write-in an alternative party adds to the over-the-top unfairness.
It is a fun read : “Courts are not required to be blind to everyday realities”. Unfair ballot access for alternative parties is as everyday reality as it gets. The point being made in the brief that handy top-two requirements to qualify for extra consideration for certain parties are made with the knowledge that those benefits are for Democrats and Republicans exclusively.
This state law totally qualifies for the strict scrutiny standard but of course there’s very little justice for alternative parties.
1. Party registration lists = PURGE lists.
2. The AZ regime is NOT able to have a 3 x 5 card with the names and abbreviations of ALL the parties in the regime ???
D for Donkey Dems
R for Elephant Repubs
Etc.
3. What is that *equal* in 14th Amdt, Sec. 1 ???
Arizona should require political parties to maintain their own party rosters, which they would submit at the start of an election year. Any party with more than 100 members would be recognized by the state.
To qualify for the ballot, a candidate would need 1/10 of 1% of the turnout in the last general election (based on 2012, this would be 2324 for statewide offices; roughly 258 per congressional district; 77 per legislative district.
If the required number of signatures were from members of a particular party, the candidate could have the name of the party next to his name on the ballot. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote at the general election in August, there would be a runoff in November.
The unfairness is very obvious. Not only on the voter registration, but on the absentee ballots. In fact, the absentee voting makes it extremely difficult for a non D or R to get a fair stake in the early voting.
HOWEVER, I was told that this year (2014) the SOS and CCEC will be sending out a NEW FORM of primary ballots for the non D’s and R’s.
Still waiting to see how well I will be recognized on the ballot. If I do not become Arizona’s next Governor, the state is gone. Check out my economic plan and you’ll understand why.
Besides, I do not play politics and corruption ends on my watch…
http://jlmealer.com
Hear, hear!