A local Libertarian Party leader supports a bill that would make it easier for third-party candidates to get on ballots. <\/p>\n
The legislation would put independent and minor party candidates on a level playing field with Republicans and Democrats. <\/p>\n
According to a Libertarian news release, the proposal seeks to bring fairness by making signature requirements more equal and setting the rules for becoming a political party on the same level as other Midwestern states. <\/p>\n
The average percentage of votes required to become legally recognized in the United States is 2 percent, lower than Illinois' 5 percent. The bill would move the state's percentage to 2 percent. <\/p>\n
In November's election, Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson received 1.3 percent of La Salle County's vote, while Green Party candidate Jill Stein got 1.1 percent. <\/p>\n
Jenae Wise, chairwoman of the Illinois Valley Libertarian Party, said third parties are important in American politics. <\/p>\n
\"They are there to keep the two parties accountable,\" she said. \"They come together as one to increase government more and more.\" <\/p>\n
She said she spoke with state Rep. David Welter, R-Morris, who represents portions of eastern La Salle County. He became the second representative to sponsor it. <\/p>\n
In a phone interview, Welter said he wants to improve ballot access. <\/p>\n
\"I run as a Republican and supports the party's ideals, but I hope that in the future we'll see more than the two major political parties,\" he said. <\/p>\n
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Local Libertarians back ballot access bill | Local | mywebtimes.com - MyWebTimes.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A local Libertarian Party leader supports a bill that would make it easier for third-party candidates to get on ballots. The legislation would put independent and minor party candidates on a level playing field with Republicans and Democrats. According to a Libertarian news release, the proposal seeks to bring fairness by making signature requirements more equal and setting the rules for becoming a political party on the same level as other Midwestern states. Continue reading