Arizona law unconstitutionally requires political parties to file their presidential nominating papers more than 90 days in advance of a primary election, the Arizona Green Party claims in court. The party, presumptive Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein, and two party members filed suit against Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan last week in Federal Court. According to the complaint, an Arizona law requiring political parties to file their nominating papers within 90 to 120 days before a primary election unconstitutionally puts at risk “the electorate being denied the opportunity to vote for the presidential and vice presidential nominees of an established political party.” Arizona is one of two states that requires political parties to submit the names of their presidential candidates before Aug. 1 of the presidential election year, the party claims. It also requires parties to submit the names before the national party convention takes place.
“Arizona has a history of voter suppression. Here Arizona state officials are ignoring prior court decisions,” Stein said in a statement. “We intend to fight these games in every state where the establishment parties try to prevent voters from supporting the candidates of their choice.”
The complaint says “limiting the ability of electors to cast votes if nominations for the electors are not received far in advance of the general election, diminish the statewide and national viability of the organization whose ballot presence is denied, thereby diminishing the value of votes cast by the harmed parties.” The Green Party convention doesn’t take place until Aug. 4-7.
Full Article: CNS – Green Party Sues Arizona for Ballot Access.