Biden must withdraw by March 19
Steve Forbes’ Battle for Ballot Access
In the late 1995 presidential campaign, Republican candidate Steve Forbes faced a daunting challenge. Instead of taking the easy route and paying his way onto state primary ballots, Forbes opted for the traditional method of collecting thousands of signatures on petitions. However, his efforts were falling short.
As the deadline approached in Rhode Island, Forbes’ staffer Doug Heye and two others embarked on a mission to secure the necessary signatures. Heye vividly recalls the obstacles they faced – a foot of snow covering the ground, empty malls before Christmas – and the realization that their task was impossible. Desperate, Heye reached out to the home office, pleading for an alternative solution.
Unfortunately, it was too late. Forbes failed to appear on the GOP primary ballot and eventually withdrew from the race, leaving then-Senator Bob Dole as the victor.
“They’re just too late,” Heye dismisses any talk of latecomers challenging President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in the primaries. He emphasizes that most state ballot access deadlines have already passed, making it nearly impossible for new contenders to enter the race.
Political consultant Matt Gorman echoes Heye’s sentiment, confidently stating that “it’s going to be Trump versus Biden” unless an unforeseen event occurs. Gorman predicts that by March 19, Biden will have secured the necessary delegates for victory, with Trump not far behind.
Furthermore, after the five primaries on March 19, it will be too late for either Biden or Trump to withdraw from the race. Many states require delegates to vote for their committed candidates on the first convention ballot, leaving no room for last-minute changes.
Trey Trainor, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, emphasizes that Biden must make his decision before March 19. If he fails to do so, various factors come into play, such as bound delegates and state laws mandating his nomination due to his significant delegate count.
Lee Goodman, an elections attorney and former FEC chairman, concurs, stating that the nomination processes of both parties have progressed too far for new candidates to enter and secure enough support.
The calendar math also poses a challenge for groups like No Labels, who believe they can launch an independent campaign led by figures like Senator Mitt Romney, Senator Joe Manchin, or former U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley. However, their presence on the ballots of only 13 states, accounting for 113 electoral votes, falls far short of the 270 needed for victory. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is also struggling to secure ballot access in five states.
Trainor, drawing from his experience advising Rick Perry’s 2012 presidential campaign, emphasizes the immense resources required to gain ballot access. Even with unlimited funds, success is not guaranteed. He points to Ross Perot, the last significant third-party candidate in 1992 and 1996, who managed to secure ballot access due to his substantial financial backing.
Ultimately, Trainor dismisses any hopes for a race other than Biden versus Trump as mere wishful thinking.
Do you believe that the current ballot access requirements in the United States limit competition and restrict political diversity? Why or why not?
Tating that “ballot access is one of the crucial hurdles in the presidential race.” He explains that third-party or independent candidates often struggle to meet the requirements, pointing to the complex and time-consuming process of gathering signatures and navigating state-specific regulations.
Forbes’ battle for ballot access highlights the inherent challenges faced by candidates who are not part of the two major political parties. In the United States, the Democratic and Republican parties have long dominated the political landscape, making it difficult for alternative candidates to break through.
The issue of ballot access raises questions about the democratic nature of the American political system. Shouldn’t all candidates have an equal chance to participate in the electoral process? Shouldn’t voters have the opportunity to choose from a wider range of options?
These questions have prompted some advocates to call for electoral reform. They argue that the current system unfairly limits competition and stifles political diversity. One proposed reform is the loosening of ballot access requirements, which would make it easier for third-party and independent candidates to appear on the ballot.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that maintaining strict ballot access rules is necessary to prevent a chaotic and overcrowded election. They claim that the current criteria serve as a filter, ensuring that only serious and viable candidates are able to compete. Excessive access could dilute the political discourse and confuse voters.
Another argument against loosening ballot access requirements is the fear of spoiler candidates. Critics worry that if too many candidates are allowed on the ballot, votes could be split, leading to unpredictable and potentially undesirable outcomes. They argue that a two-party system provides stability and prevents extreme or fringe candidates from gaining significant support.
In the years since Forbes’ campaign, the issue of ballot access has remained contentious. While some states have made efforts to streamline the process and lower the signature thresholds, many barriers still exist. The intricacies of state regulations, varying from state to state, further complicate the situation.
In conclusion, the battle for ballot access is a significant challenge for candidates outside the major parties. The case of Steve Forbes exemplifies the struggles faced by those attempting to gain entry into the presidential race. The debate surrounding ballot access raises fundamental questions about democracy and the fairness of the American political system. As the country moves forward, the issue of ballot access will continue to be a topic of discussion and potential reform.
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