If you can get on all 51 state ballots, debate.

[senorboogie woogie]

Hola!

I was looking at another section of this website where they showed the number of states a third party candidate is on the ballot. Except for Bush and Kerry, none are on all 51 ballots (DC included).

The libertarians are on 48 ballots. The rest are not even close, while some wanker parties have their candidate on 1, 2 or 3 state ballots (what was the purpose of this?)

What are the ballot requirements? I am sure that it is different in all states. Nader cannot get on all the ballots and he has been at this for a long time.

What do you think?

Senor

[MODU]

Each state have their own requirements regarding ballot access.  In some states, the requirements differ if you are running as a true independent or as an established party candidate.  So to summarize them would take a very long time to do so.  At some point, someone posted a link that listed most of the state requirements regarding ballot access, and hopefully they will do so again for you.

As far as debates go, I believe if you are on 40 state ballots, then you are a "serious" candidate, therefore should be allowed the right to participate in the national debates, even if you are not polling that well.  After all, if the cut off level was say 20%, then only 4 candidates would ever have the ability to participate in the debates (it would be highly improbably to have 5 candidates polling at 20% at the time the debates are scheduled).  So, if you can access enough state ballots where there is a possibility you can win the majority of the EVs, then you should be entitled all the rights and respect as a Presidential candidate, including the right to debate against your peers.

[MODU]

Thanks again.