Georgia Ballot Access Legislative Synopsis

GEORGIA BALLOT ACCESS RESTRICTIONS

Georgia is recognized by Ballot Access News as having the worst ballot access laws in the nation. The May 2003 edition stated that: “Georgia is the showcase example of why the Voter Freedom Act is needed.” in reference to U.S. House bill H.R. 2268 introduced in 2002 by Ron Paul of Texas. Georgia is ranked consistently in the bottom five states for almost any type of ballot accessibility. For example:

  • Georgia has the worst state ballot accessibility for political parties
  • The barrier required by Georgia (AL and CT) that a party must receive 20% of votes cast in the previous gubernatorial or presidential race to run a full slate of candidates is ten times the national median of about 2% ;
  • Georgia is worst in the nation at political party qualification (w/ N.J. and TN) having no parties qualify in last 25 years;
  • Georgia is also one of only two states (with IL) that does not qualify all of the party nominees in the next election when a candidate of a party meets the vote ballot access requirements;
  • Georgia has the worst state ballot accessibility for U.S. House races
  • The barrier requiring signed petitions equaling at least 5% of previous votes cast is ten times higher than the average requirements in all states;
  • The barrier is about 50% higher than that of the next most restrictive state (Illinois) and 250% higher than the third worst states;
  • No third party U.S. House candidate has ever met the 5% requirement since 1943 when laws were passed;
  • Georgia has the second state worst ballot accessibility for State House races
  • The barrier requiring signed petitions equaling at least 5% of registered voters is only exceeded by one state (Illinois) if its total votes cast are more than half the number of registered voters;
  • The barrier resulted in only 39% of all State House races being contested by both a Republican and a Democrat;
  • The barrier resulted in only 44% of legislative races contested by both a Democrat and Republican in 2004, 17 points below the 61% national average;
  • Georgia has the second state worst ballot accessibility for State Senate races
  • The barrier requiring signed petitions equaling at least 5% of registered voters is only exceeded by one state (Illinois) if its total votes cast are more than half the number of registered voters;
  • The barrier resulted in only 59% of all State Senate races being contested by both a Republican and a Democrat;
  • The barrier resulted in only 44% of legislative races contested by both Democrats and Republicans in 2004, 17 points below the 61% national average;
  • Georgia has the fourth worst state ballot accessibility for U.S. Senate races
  • The barrier requiring signed petitions equaling at least 1% of registered voters is only exceeded by NC, WY and AL;
  • Georgia is worst in the nationfor political party senatorial qualification (w/ Ark.) having only one party qualify for Senate races in the last 50 years;
  • Georgia received this low national ranking even though U.S. Senate races have some of the most lenient restrictions in Georgia;
  • Georgia has the fourth worst ballot accessibility for U.S. President races
  • The barrier requiring signed petitions equaling at least 1% of registered voters is only exceeded by NC, WY and OK;
  • Georgia is worst in the nationfor political party presidential qualification having an average of only 1.2 third party presidential candidates on the ballot since 1972;
  • Georgia received this low national ranking even though U.S. President races have some of the most lenient restrictions in Georgia;

SPONSORSHIP AND SUPPORT

In deciding whether or not to sponsor or support a ballot access bill, legislators should consider:

  • It is the right thing to do – Georgians have been disenfranchised by exclusionary ballot access laws. Legislators are elected to do the right thing for Georgia and providing fair ballot access is obviously the right thing to do. It will demonstrate a commitment to open and honest government for all Georgians regardless of political party;
  • It is understandable – The legislation only adjusts the current percentages required to qualify for ballot access based on petition signatures and previous vote casting percentages. No complex legal procedure changes apply.
  • It is practical – The legislation can be enacted with no expense to the citizens of Georgia and it can be implemented immediately since no procedural changes are required.
  • It is politically expedient – This bill is true non-partisan legislation that benefits the 25+% voters who are not registered as Democrats or Republicans.It also helps Democrats and Republicans keep party platforms more in line with constituent perspectives so that they can maintain their political advantage in a more competitive setting.
  • It can easily be passed – There is almost no public opposition to this bill because of its non partisan nature and widespread public support. The only opposition may be generated from legislators who believe that they might be threatened by competition even though access to the ballot does not mean that a candidate will be elected. The political process will remain the same in Georgia as it is in other states that have fewer restrictions.

For more Fair Ballot Access information, please contact Garland Favorito at (404) 664-4044