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Ballot Access for a Minor Party in a Special Congressional Election

Robert Timothy Reagan, Margaret S. Williams, Marie Leary, Catherine R. Borden, Jessica L. Snowden, Patricia D. Breen, Jason A. Cantone
April 4, 2023

Green Party of Arkansas v. Priest (George Howard, Jr., E.D. Ark. 4:01-cv-586)
A September 4, 2001, federal complaint challenged a state’s ballot-access laws, which made it impossible for the Green Party to offer a candidate in a November 20 special election to replace a member of Congress who had been given a presidential appointment. The district judge tentatively granted the plaintiffs relief after a September 13 proceeding and issued an opinion confirming the injunction four days later: “The State has no compelling interest in allowing unrecognized parties to participate in some elections but not others.” The plaintiffs were awarded $10,165.58 in attorney fees and costs.
Subject: Getting on the ballot. Topics: Getting on the ballot; attorney fees.

One of many Case Studies in Emergency Election Litigation.