Equal Ballot Access
Currently, individuals looking to run for public office face an undue burden to get on the ballot if they are not affiliated with a major party - a problem we refer to as Equal Ballot Access. We emphatically believe that equal signature requirements for all candidates regardless of party affiliation or lack thereof will help to level the playing field and ensure that no candidate has an unfair advantage based on their ability to gather signatures. Here's more about the drawbacks of the current system:
- Independent candidates must collect 10,411 more signatures than Democratic and 12,426 more signatures than Republican candidates for a statewide office.
- For candidacy in a Congressional office Independent and Minor party candidates must collect thousands of more signatures compared to major party candidates.
- For candidacy in running for State Representative, Independent and Minor party candidates must collect hundreds more signatures compared to major party candidates.
- New Mexico is behind in this arena, as Colorado and Utah passed legislation equalizing ballot signature requirements several years ago and most states have made sincere attempts to remove ballot access discrimination against non-major party candidates.
Why we believe New Mexico must create Equal Ballot Access:
- Equal signature requirements help to level the playing field and ensure that no candidate has an unfair advantage based on their ability to gather signatures.
- This approach would increase party and ideological diversity among candidates by giving those who may not have the same resources or support as other candidates the opportunity to get on the ballot.
- Equal signature requirements hold all candidates to the same standards and ensure that the candidate selection process is based on merit rather than on the ability to collect signatures.
- These requirements can help to promote fairness and transparency in the election process, as all candidates are required to meet the same requirements in order to get on the ballot.
- Equal signature requirements can help to ensure that the most qualified and deserving candidates are able to run for office, rather than those who are simply the best at gathering signatures.
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