As previously noted, on November 10, a U.S. District Court struck down Nebraska’s county distribution requirement for statewide initiatives. Here is an editorial from Omaha’s daily newspaper, which seems to approve of the decision, but which also advocates that the legislature require signatures from each of Nebraska’s three U.S. House districts.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
I usually don’t believe in the Courts making law (that is reserved for the legislative branches of our governments) but sometimes a hardheaded or evil-hearted legislature refuses to do the right thing, and the Court has to step in.
I just wish the Courts would step in more on cases dealing with ballot access for 3rd parties and Independent candidates. The Courts often speak of equality. Then why don’t the Courts realize that true equality of candidates for public office should be the same. And the only way that true equality can be obtained, is based on Florida’s law, which in essence says that requirements for a minor party must not be greater than those of a major party.
As a results, we have over the past 2 decades had several 3rd party and Independent candidates for major offices listed on the General Election ballot in Florida. And in many small Florida counties, Independents (though listed on the ballot as “No Party Affiliation”) have won their races.
I can remember when Florida never had a 3rd party or Independent running in any election listed on the ballot. If was either vote for a Democrat or a Republican or stay at home.
Let us start demanding that the “Florida philosophy of ballot access” be the only way true equality for candidates should be sought. Standing outside in the heat or the cold weather begging voters to sign signatures for candidates whom most likely will not vote for such a candidate is degrading at its worse.
Equality means equality.