From Peter’s Desk: An Update on Ballot Access

Our campaign is focused on securing ballot access in as many states as possible. Ballot access refers to the way candidates are presented to voters for consideration. Commonly, a candidate’s name and party affiliation are listed under the heading for the sought-after office. For candidates not endorsed by a major party, this often means petitioning onto the ballot through signature collection. Usually, major party candidates have automatic ballot access and need not engage in the petition process.

The First Amendment right of association protects third-party of independent candidates from undue burdens in securing signatures for ballot access. However, each state defines its own ballot access terms. Many of these requirements are difficult for grassroots parties like the American Solidarity Party to meet. Courts have found state standards to be burdensome at times, but until the thresholds are legally challenged, candidates must comply.

The candidate’s name preprinted on the ballot is preferred to a write-in option. The appearance of the candidate’s name increases likelihood of receiving a vote. Write-in processes are more demanding for voters, and several states do not accept or count such votes. Pursuing write-in campaigns are a more uncertain option for third-party candidates.

The ASP 2020 presidential and vice-presidential candidates appeared on eight state ballots and had write-in status in 31 others. Currently the ASP has secured 2024 ballot access in Arkansas and Hawaii, with many volunteer initiatives underway in states with reasonable signature thresholds. In some states where the task is beyond the reasonable capability of volunteers, the party has or will secure professionals to gather signatures. In some states the signature requirements and cost for contracted services is beyond the financial means of the campaign at present.

Ballot access should not be so inaccessible and unattainable in the United States. Democratic representation demands reasonable access to appearing on federal or state election ballots so that voters have choices beyond major party candidates. The appearance of a candidate’s name on a ballot is a powerful suggestion of viability for the party they represent. Please consider volunteering or making a contribution to our efforts by clicking on the links below.

Thank you for all you do to support ASP.