Ballot Access
Seven thousand petition signatures to create a new political party and nominate a slate of candidates for office. Yet, even if a new or minor party becomes formally organized, it is difficult for their candidates to be listed on the election ballot for certain offices. Primary election rules require a prospective candidate to not only win the plurality, but for a minimum number of voters to choose to vote in that party's primary.
Independent candidates need a thousand signatures for a statewide office, four thousand for the presidency or 300 for a state legislative office. The independent nominating petition process does not allow for candidates to appear on the ballot with a political party designation, in lieu of independent, except for presidential elections.
Read more about this topic: Electoral Reform In North Dakota
Famous quotes containing the words ballot and/or access:
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)
“Oh, the holiness of always being the injured party. The historically oppressed can find not only sanctity but safety in the state of victimization. When access to a better life has been denied often enough, and successfully enough, one can use the rejection as an excuse to cease all efforts. After all, one reckons, “they” don’t want me, “they” accept their own mediocrity and refuse my best, “they” don’t deserve me.”
—Maya Angelou (b. 1928)