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.
Cannot Bob Barr declare as a "write-in" candidate in those states which disallowed his access to the ballot? Provided they also allow "write-ins".
Re Write-ins:
What's fair to voters about asking them to write in somebody? They should be able to find the names of all the nominated candidates already printed on their ballots.
I'm thrilled that the ACLU is standing up for voters and demanding they be offered all the choices.
Write-in candidates do poorly in elections.
There is no sense in having difficult ballot access except as a means of protecting the status quo. Difficult ballot access helps the Republican and Democrat parties, but by eliminating competition it limits the voters' opportunity to change the course of the ship of state
If Bob Barr has to declare as a Write-In, McCain and Obama should have to do the same. I fully support Bob Barr, and opening ballot access to smaller parties.
Bob Barr got 5% in a recent Zogby poll of MA -- these voters have a right to vote for him.
If the issue is just the timing of the Libertarian convention, I have to think this matter can be cleared up outside of the courts.
Foon Rhee, why are you not publishing my comment?
Sue away..... This is unconscionable. What kind of state (or country) keeps a Political Party off the ballot just to preserve power for tits good old boys...?
If this happened in the Third World we would be appalled.
Bob Barr got 5% in a recent Zogby poll of MA -- these voters have a right to vote for him.
If the issue is just the timing of the Libertarian convention, I have to think this matter can be cleared up outside of the courts.
Restrictive ballot Access is a sign of constrictive power hoarding. We should go to a Ranked Choice Voting system to improve the method and access for candidates. Eliminate the primary and allow parties to fund, control, and support the candidates they wish.
The ACLU is correct: this is not just a matter of fairness to alternative candidates, but to the voters. -- Jeff Daiell www.JeffDaiell.com
"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."
Foon Rhee, if this is a problem then why is it also not a problem for the Democrats and Republicans since they both have not officially nominated anyone because they have yet to hold a convention?
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