PROGRESSIVE PARTY FILES BALLOT ACCESS PETITIONS
Yesterday, the Progressive Party of Missouri filed petitions containing 14,932 signatures with the Missouri Secretary of State to get the party on the November ballot in Missouri, together with papers nominating six candidates for statewide and congressional offices. Registered voters from 95 Missouri counties plus the City of St. Louis signed the petition. The signatures amounted to 49% more than the 10,000 required by law.
Progressive Party leaders are confident that enough of the signatures are valid to place the party on the ballot, because all of the signatures were collected by party volunteers. Signatures obtained by volunteers historically have higher validity rates than those obtained by paid petitioners.
Missouri law requires Secretary of State Robin Carnahan to determine and announce no later than August 22 whether the party and its candidates have met legal requirements to appear on the ballot. The party will announce its candidates after Carnahan certifies them for the ballot.
The party failed in a similar attempt in 2004, when election authorities disallowed enough signatures to cause the party to fall 377 short. This year the party submitted over 2,000 more signatures than in 2004.
The Progressive Party of Missouri is affiliated with the Green Party of the United States.
"Signatures obtained by volunteers historically have higher validity rates than those obtained by paid petitioners."
Says who?
Posted by publiceye on Tue., Jul 25, 2006 at 7:48 AMThis is impressive work (that they really shouldn't have to do to participate in democratic government).
I hope that the party is successful!
Posted by Michael Allen on Tue., Jul 25, 2006 at 11:03 AMIt is far too difficult for 3rd parties to gain ballot access in this and many other states. We have laws that support incumbants, but that do not foster democracy.
Posted by travis reems on Tue., Jul 25, 2006 at 5:49 PM
Right a Wrong. Submit any tips or story ideas by using our anonymous email form. Confidentiality is guaranteed.