ACLU sues on Libertarian's behalf

The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts announced today it is suing the Secretary of State's office for refusing to put Libertarian Bob Barr on the presidential ballot in November.

“The central issue in this case is the restriction of ballot access for third parties, which has been and continues to be a problem in Massachusetts,” John Reinstein, the state ACLU's legal director, said in a statement. “The right of political parties or candidates to a place on the ballot bears directly on the right of citizens to vote. If parties or candidates are kept off the ballot, their adherents are compelled to vote for representatives other that those of their choice."

The problem is that the Libertarian Party didn't officially nominate Barr until late May, after it started its petition drive to get on the ballot.

Independent Ralph Nader's campaign says he has submitted enough signatures to get on the Massachusetts ballot, joining Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.