Equal Access to Georgia Ballots!

The Georgia Green Party will need 39,094 valid signatures to put their candidate on the presidential ballot this November. Officials estimate that, because about half of petition signatures are typically ruled invalid, it would take about 80,000 signatures. They estimate that that would require a crew of ten working for 18 weeks.

Georgia HB672, the Voter Choice and Election Access Reform Act of 1999 is currently making its way through the legislature:

It is the understanding of the General Assembly that voter participation in Georgia is low when compared with states which provide open access to the ballot. While recently enacted laws have made voter registration more accessible, voter participation has continued to decline. Georgia's existing ballot access utilizing the petition requirement unfairly penalizes candidates of political bodies and independent candidates who seek access to the ballot. It is the intent of the General Assembly to increase voter participation and political debate by making the ballot accessible for political organizations which register as a political body under state law and for independent candidates nominated by convention.

The Voter Choice Coalition, which includes the Green, Libertarian, Natural Law, Reform, and Taxpayers parties, among others, is working to get HB672 passed. But they need your help. If you're a resident of Georgia, contact your representative now! The vote will take place on Wednesday, March 8.