Ballot Access_________________________________________________________
Do We Need International Observers for Our Elections? (Where is Jimmy Carter When We Need Him?)
Both John McCain and Barack Obama missed their filing deadlines to
appear on the Texas ballot. So why were they on the ballot? And why is it so hard for independent and third party candidates to get on the ballot, even when playing by the rules?Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr's Deputy Campaign Manager Shane Cory had a
"pleasant conversation" with the head of the Texas Elections Division after the Texas campaign filing deadline had passed,
and was told that the Texas Republican and Democrat parties filed "something,"
but had not necessarily completed the certification by the deadline. He
requested and was told that he would receive a copy of the "something," but as
of yet, we have not received any documents.
Not long after that, the Libertarian
Party of Texas stepped in to help out and sent a staffer to the Elections
Division to obtain the paperwork that was supposedly filed on behalf of McCain
and Obama.
We were told that Elections Division's General Counsel would review
whether or not the public filings can be released to the
public.
The above mentioned paperwork was never released but Senators John McCain and Barack Obama
did appear on the ballot in Texas.
It seems the saying is true: "Membership
has its privileges . . ." if you're Republican or a Democrat.
Delving deeper, we will tell you
why and how the above statement is true. We will tell you What's in it for you to be and vote Libertarian.
For a more in-depth treatment of this issue, visit the same topic in our
library.