Thread: House passes bill aimed at easing party status in N.C.

http://www.wvec.com/sharedcontent/APSto ... 0TEG0.html

House passes bill aimed at easing party status in N.C.

08/24/2005

Associated Press

The House early Wednesday gave its final approval to legislation that would make it easier for political parties to get on North Carolina ballots.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Paul Miller, D-Durham, aims to reduce the election and signature thresholds for remaining on the ballot in North Carolina, which is considered one of the most stringent in the nation.

"I think as a member of a major party, third parties are not really a threat," Miller said. "... I think that this bill will help increase participation and eventually they will become either a Republican or a Democrat."

The initial version of the Electoral Fairness Act would have reduced the number of signatures needed to keep a party on the ballot from 2 percent to .5 percent of the total votes cast in the preceding gubernatorial or presidential race. It also would have reduced the vote total required for a party to remain official from 10 percent to 2 percent of the gubernatorial or presidential race.

The House tentatively approved an amended bill by a vote of 82-32 late Tuesday that raised the percentage for staying on the ballot to 7 percent and the petition percentage back to its original 2 percent. The amendment was sponsored by Rep. Phil Haire, D-Jackson.

The State Board of Elections on Monday removed Libertarians' official party status because they failed to meet current thresholds.

The legislation now goes to the Senate.

I Seriously hope this passes.