The Libertarian Party of Tennessee (LPTN) has initiated legal proceedings against the State of Tennessee, claiming that the current ballot access laws are unconstitutional and unfairly prejudiced against third-party candidates.
In a lawsuit lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, the LPTN is contesting the state stipulation that requires a third-party candidate to amass signatures from registered voters amounting to 2.5% (more than 49,000) of the votes tallied in the most recent gubernatorial election to secure a spot on the ballot.
LPTN Vice Chairman Christopher Darnell denounced the regulation as a “flagrant violation of our constitutional rights and the principles of free and fair elections.” The party asserts that the ballot access law imposes an undue financial and logistical burden on third-party candidates, thereby making it almost impossible for them to compete against the major parties. Additionally, the party contends that this law infringes on the public’s right to fair and equal elections, as enshrined in the Tennessee Constitution.
“Voter suppression is a real and pressing issue here in Tennessee, manifesting as denial of access to all minor parties on ballots,” stated LPTN Chair Josiah Baker. “Citizens are entitled to choices that align with their values and policy positions, and having access to Tennessee ballots is an important step in this direction.”
Legal challenges to restrictive ballot access laws have been undertaken in several other states, including Oklahoma and Arkansas, with varying outcomes. While some cases have led to loosened ballot restrictions, others, like the one in Georgia, have seen third-party candidates continue to face significant hurdles.
The LPTN anticipates staunch opposition from state officials and major party candidates, who may attempt to thwart their legal efforts.
The Libertarian Party of Tennessee upholds the principles of a free-market economy, personal freedom and civil liberties, and a foreign policy centered on non-intervention, peace, and free trade as the solutions to America’s political issues. To find out more about the LPTN or to get involved, please visit www.lptn.org.
