I find it ironic that The Tribune devoted 30 column-inches to Meir Kahane`s Israeli ballot-access difficulties, but hasn`t printed a word about the unfair ballot-access laws in many of the United States that have effectively denied ballot status to new parties and independent candidates.
During the past year, petitioners have collected nearly a million signatures to get ballot status in all 50 states for Libertarian presidential candidate Ron Paul. The effort was successful in 47 states and the District of Columbia (now 46, after a disqualification on an obscure technicality in Missouri).
Fair ballot-access laws would help widen the American political stage and, in so doing, give voters a chance to consider philosophies, ideas and proposals that are routinely ignored by the ”mainstream” political establishment and media. When new parties have to spend most of their time and money gaining a place on the ballot, they are effectively denied a real opportunity to compete in the marketplace of ideas.
It`s no wonder so many Americans choose not to participate in the political process. They correctly perceive a lack of real choices between the established political parties. Fair ballot access laws and media coverage of new parties might be the best way to increase political participation among currently disaffected voters.
