Ballot Access Procedures Could Improve

Wes Upchurch, a Libertarian Candidate for Secretary of State, would like to applaud the Missouri House for passing SB 797. The bill, which was introduced by Democratic Senator Joan Bray, improves the procedures for the petition to qualify a new political party. Since the House Committee had added an unrelated election law provision to the bill, the bill now goes back to the Senate. The Senate may act as early as today, May 15.

The act repeals the requirement that the petition to form the new party must contain, if presidential electors are to be nominated by petition, the name of at least one qualified resident in each congressional district to be a nominee for presidential elector. Alternatively, this information will be provided when filing the respective declarations of candidacy.

"This will allow third parties, such as the Constitution Party, to nominate their Presidential candidate in the same way as the established parties," says Wes Upchurch. Encouraging the Senate to pass the bill, he added, "Without this bill, smaller parties are forced to file only state-wide candidates, and would have to file a separate petition for candidates nominated at a later time."

Upchurch also made it clear that those who support fair ballot access should contact their Senators immediately. "It's urgent that you call Missouri Senators about this bill, and tell them that they should continue to support SB 797, because they could vote today."

Wes Upchurch is a candidate for Secretary of State in Missouri. He supports fair ballot access, a reduction in the number of signatures required for ballot initiatives, a "none of the above" option on ballots, and proportional representation. For more information about his campaign you can visit http://www.wesupchurch.com.