The Minnesota Independence Party, which has been ballot-qualified starting in 1994, appears likely to lose its qualified status. Here is a link to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s web page, showing election returns. The party needed to poll 5% for one of the statewide races this year, because it did not poll as much as 5% for any statewide race in 2012. Its strongest statewide nominee, Bob Helland for Secretary of State, is at 4.91%.
No other minor party polled 5% for any statewide race either. Assuming the Independence Party goes off the ballot, it may be possible to persuade the Minnesota legislature to lower the vote test. The median vote test for the 50 states is 2%, and Minnesota has a long tradition of tolerance toward minor parties. Even though Minnesota requires 5% for qualified party status for ballot access purposes, for purposes of obtaining public funding, the vote test is 1%.
Somewhat disappointed in the Independence Party. Sounds like the leadership of the party is too “Democratic” on the issues, so many voters may asked why not vote for the real thing – the Democratic Party. Don’t know if co-nomination is allowed in Minnesota, but all 3rd parties – including the Libertarians – need to consider this as a means of survival.
As I posted on another reply late last night, “Democrats are afraid of Republicans and vote for the Democrats, while the Republicans are afraid of the Democrats, and vote for the Republicans. It happens election after election. It’s been going on at least since the Civil War and probably will still be happening a hundred years from now.
“Co-nomination” or “endorsing” is allowed in a handful of states (New York State being the most prominent) and has resulted in such 3rd parties holding the balance of power in many elections.
I believe in standing for principal and making a point. But isn’t there another way to do such and still get a little piece of the pie? I think those who are still around who remember the old Liberal Party of New York State would agree with me.
Ala. Ind., you ask “Another way?” Proportional Representation would work.
Gene:
I think “Proportional Representation” is too complicated for the average voter. Anyway, doesn’t this smack of British politics?