Ohio Ballot Access: Breaking News!

Just today, the Ohio Secretary of State's Office confirmed that the Green Party is going to be on the ballot in the November 4th General Election.

From the Associated Press:

"A spokesman for Brunner said Wednesday that she made the decision voluntarily in light of recent court rulings allowing minor party candidates to appear on the ballot.

The Green Party's petition to make the ballot was rejected last month because it lacked the 5,000 signatures required in a Brunner directive. Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney and vice presidential candidate Rosa Clemente sued Brunner in federal court.

Brunner's office also said that the names of Constitution Party presidential nominee Chuck Baldwin and vice presidential nominee Darrell Castle also will appear on the ballot."

These won't be the only third party candidates on the Ohio ballot this fall. On August 21st, the U.S. District Court Judge Edmund Sargus ordered the Socialist Party placed on the Ohio ballot. Brian Moore is running for president with Stewart Alexander as his vice-president. Also on August 21st, independent candidate Ralph Nader filed 14,285 signatures (well over the 5,000 required) to put his name on the ballot alongside running mate Matt Gonzalez. Earlier, on July 17th, another court ruling directed Libertarian candidate Bob Barr and his running mate, Wayne Allyn Root, to be placed on the ballot after they did not turn in enough signatures.

Politics1 has the most comprehensive list of presidential candidates I have been able to find. You can find information about all the national candidates, including those not listed on the Ohio ballot. http://www.politics1.com/p2008.htm

I will create a one page flier to pass out on Ohio's campuses with information about the Presidential candidates. I will post that on the website soon!

All these candidates add a great deal of color to the Presidential landscape. It is important for students to know about all of the candidates because many people can be turned away by both of the major political parties. With these other options, students can feel comfortable that someone will resonate with them.