Most voters will think only about Republicans and Democrats when they go to the polls this summer and fall, but a few political activists want at least some Tennesseans to consider alternatives. Representatives of the Green Party and Constitution Party say they will push to establish a foothold in Tennessee politics following years of battles in the courts and state legislature. They would appear to have their best opportunity in decades to do so. A federal judge has ordered state officials to let Greens and Constitutionalists appear on the ballot for just the second time ever. And the races at the top of the ballot are likely to be landslides, which could make it easier for them to pitch Tennesseans on casting third-party votes in protest.
Third parties could have a lot riding on the outcome. If they can take 5 percent of the vote in either the race for U.S. Senate or governor, they would guarantee themselves a place on the ballot for at least another four years.
“It would remove any doubt about ballot access,” said Darrell Castle, a Memphis attorney and former Constitution Party candidate. “We want our party to be recognized, like Democrats and Republicans.”
Full Article: Green, Constitution parties push for recognition in TN.