On May 30, the California Secretary of State released a new registration tally.
Compared to the April 4, 2014 tally, the Democratic Party increased by 14,246; Republicans declined 4,954; the American Independent Party gained 3,378; the Libertarian Party gained 2,077; the Green Party gained 517; Peace & Freedom gained 751; Americans Elect gained 70. The combination of independent voters, and voters registered in unqualified parties, rose 45,435.
The Constitution Party, which is not ballot-qualified, declined from 355 in the January 2014 tally (the last tally for which figures are available) to 339. Thanks to Kevin Takenaga for this news.
There is no combined category of voters affiliated with non-qualified (note spelling) parties and voters who did not express a party preference.
I combined them because, as I think you will agree, keeping them separate is almost meaningless, as some counties have different definitions than other counties. You yourself have mentioned this many times.
All voters who have expressed a party preference, are engaging in a act of 1st Amendment-protected free political association. When voters registered they were required to sign the registration form to indicate that all the information is truthful and correct, subject to perjury charges.
They are clearly distinguishable from those who chose not to disclose or indicate a party preference.
When a voter with a party preference becomes a candidate, they have a 1st Amendment and 14th Amendment (equal protection) right to have that political preference appear on the ballot.
California under its current maladministration is in essence telling certain candidates that their views aren’t popular enough to appear on the ballot.
Ballot crowding is not an issue. It takes just as much space to falsely indicate that a candidate has no party preference as it would to indicate his true party preference.
Modicum of support does not apply. All candidates have demonstrated that support with a petition and filing fee (or in lieu of petition). Those that advance to the general election have clearly demonstrated support.
On what basis can the State of California justify handicapping or discriminating against some candidates?