Green Party Files for Ballot Access in TN

The Constitution Party of Tennessee, Green Party of Tennessee, and Libertarian Party of Tennessee collectively filed a lawsuit last month in U.S. District Court against the State of Tennessee for unfair ballot access laws and regulations. The suit challenges several provisions of the State Election Laws including signature requirements and the timing of petitions for establishing `new' political parties in Tennessee. In 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit rejected similar laws in Ohio, stating the regulations placed an undue burden upon third parties seeking ballot access. The State of Tennessee is also in the Sixth Circuit Court district with Ohio. "While the Libertarian, Constitution, and Green Parties have differing political philosophies, we share equal discrimination under the current laws," said Tony Wall, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Tennessee. "We are all nationally organized political parties and are entitled to equal representation in the ballot booth. Our respective supporters should be able to identify our candidates in the same manner as the two major political parties." "Fair and open elections are basic to a free society," added Katey Culver, Green Party of Tennessee Representative to the Green National Committee. "With this lawsuit, we hope to bring that right to the people of Tennessee."

For more information, please contact the Constitution Party of Tennessee at 901-624-3884, the Green Party of Tennessee at 931-589-6513, or the Libertarian Party of Tennessee at 888-960-1776.