On Friday, the state of Alaska is appealing the court’s decision on a lawsuit regarding unaffiliated candidates to run in a specific party’s primary election. The court ruled last month that candidates do not have to be a registered member of a party to appear on that party’s primary ballot. The suit was originally brought by the Alaska Democratic Party. A superior court judge found that the requirement violates the party’s first amendment right to associate with candidates who are not Democrats. The case will now be taken to the Alaska Supreme Court.
In a press release, Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth says, “We don’t agree with the superior court that the party membership requirement in state statute places an unconstitutional burden on political parties.”
She continued to say that there were “significant” constitutional questions that should be decided by the Alaska Supreme Court.
Full Article: State to appeal ruling on independent candidates in primary elections.