The Libertarian Party National Chairman, Bill Redpath, has been lobbying legislators in Oklahoma to lower the ballot access requirements for third parties and independent candidates in the state. NewsOk’s political blog reports that Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform is pushing a bill, sponsored by Rep. Charles Key (R-Oklahoma City), which will lower signature requirements from around 73,000 signatures (5% of the votes cast in the last election) to 5,000.
Bill Redpath, with the Libertarian Party points out that in Colorado and Louisiana, a third party can get on the ballot with just 1,000 valid signatures.
“You have less choice in Oklahoma than many other states,” Redpath said.
Under Key’s bill, the signature requirement would be decreased and candidates would fewer signatures to get on the ballot. Reformers want a third party candidate to be able to get on the ballot with 5,000 valid signatures.
Redpath pointed out that the Libertarian Party in Oklahoma does well, but supporters still can’t get a candidate on the presidential ballot.
“I don’t think its an issue at the top of people’s minds,” he said. “But I think it (signature requirement for third party candidates) would shock the general public. It’s an arcane area of politics.”
Congratulations to OBAR, Rep. Charles Key, Bill Redpath, and the Libertarian Party for getting this press and for leading the charge for better ballot access laws in Oklahoma.
thanx, Trent, for da fun facts
“According to an OBAR press release, Redpath will join Rep. Charles Key (R-Oklahoma City), and Sen. Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso). Redpath will then accompany former Edmond Senator Mark Snyder, a lobbyist for OBAR, on a “meet-and-greet” tour of the Capitol to speak with lawmakers about ballot access reform.
Oklahoma has the highest new party signature requirement in the nation. House Bill 1072, authored by Key and sponsored by Brogdon in the Senate, would lower the number of petition signatures needed for state recognition of a new political party. The bill passed both houses of the legislature last year with a combined vote of 132-5. A conference committee is currently working to reconcile differing proposals for a new signature requirement.”
From Free and Equal’s website.
“In 1968 the American Independent candidate received 20.3% of the Oklahoma vote. Concerned state politicians voted to restrict third party access in 1974, perhaps fearing the results of weak Democratic support in 1976”
From OBAR’s website. Interesting fact.