Reason.com - Free Minds and Free Markets
Reason logo Reason logo
  • Latest
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Subscribe
    • Crossword
  • Video
  • Podcasts
    • All Shows
    • The Reason Roundtable
    • The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie
    • The Soho Forum Debates
    • Just Asking Questions
    • The Best of Reason Magazine
    • Why We Can't Have Nice Things
  • Volokh
  • Newsletters
  • Donate
    • Donate Online
    • Donate Crypto
    • Ways To Give To Reason Foundation
    • Torchbearer Society
    • Planned Giving
  • Subscribe
    • Reason Plus Subscription
    • Print Subscription
    • Gift Subscriptions
    • Subscriber Support

Login Form

Create new account
Forgot password

Evan McMullin

Evan McMullin Gratuitously Denied Ballot Access in Florida, Because That's What the Duopoly Does

Gary Johnson is hardly the only third-party candidate to get democracy'd good and hard

Matt Welch | 9.16.2016 5:48 PM

Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL
Media Contact & Reprint Requests
Large image on homepages | Evan McMullin for President
(Evan McMullin for President)
||| Twitter
Twitter

As we have seen today, there are three main ways that third parties and their supporters get swatted around by the Republican-Democrat system: 1) Through attempted social shaming that they are preventing the worst candidate from losing; 2) through the excessive caution and social-tribe muscle memory of people who otherwise totally agree with the candidates in question; and 3) through blunt, we're-not-even-masking-it force applied by the Democrats and Republicans who write their own rules of competition. That's what happened to Gary Johnson (and Jill Stein) today with the presidential debates, and it's what happened this month to #NeverTrump candidate Evan McMullin with ballot access in Florida.

Politico has a good new accounting of the complicated scandal. Basically, McMullin was nominated by the Independent Party of Florida, but the Sunshine State's Division of Elections ruled that the party was ineligible because it is not one of 13 "national parties" officially recognized by the Federal Election Commission for purposes of enforcing campaign finance rules. Alert readers at this point may note that campaign finance is not ballot access, and that the federal government is not the state of Florida. Now, what if I told you that the Divisions of Elections reports to Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican who runs a pro-Donald Trump SuperPAC?

This power move is all the more blatant given that Florida as recently as 2011 issued a ruling saying that minor parties should qualify for the state ballot if they simply get their paperwork straight, regardless of what the feds thought. "So Florida and other states were very respectful of Americans Elects and went out of their way to ease ballot access," Ballot Access News super-specialist Richard Winger told Politico Florida. "Now that the parties are suffering in Florida and are less powerful, the state feels it can change the rule with impunity."

More outrage:

"I do not think in any way that this reflects a compelling state interest that justifies exclusion from the ballot," said David Schoen, a New York-based attorney who has worked to help get ballot access for minor party candidates ballot access. […]

"At the last minute, they [the state] change, creating havoc and really hurting folks who spent a lot of time and effort pursuing ballot access," Schoen said. "Very unfair." […]

"The good ol' boy network is alive and well it seems," said Jonathan Hansen, a Nevada attorney whose practice area includes ballot access. "The 'major' parties will do anything to retain power by limiting access to minor parties."

Regardless of what you think of Evan McMullin, this kind of power-abuse is just gross. And it's the status quo. Republicans and Democrats kick third-party candidates in the face for the same reason dogs lick their nether-bits: because they can. Getting onto state ballots as a third-party candidate in this context is downright heroic, which is one of many reasons why the criteria for at least the initial presidential debate should be jumping through enough of the duopoly's hoops to at least be a mathematical possibility in getting 270 Electoral College votes.

Debate Commission Board Member Mitch Daniels is right: "This is awfully important," particularly for those still clinging to the old structures. At some point, power-leaking duopolies who definitionally hate their customers wake up to see what happens when the little people finally control their own destinies. It rarely ends well.

Start your day with Reason. Get a daily brief of the most important stories and trends every weekday morning when you subscribe to Reason Roundup.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

NEXT: Mexico Needs Independence From the Cronies Who Hold Its Economy Back

Matt Welch is an editor at large at Reason.

Evan McMullinGary JohnsonBallot AccessThe Declaration of Independents
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL
Media Contact & Reprint Requests

Hide Comments (67)

Editor's Note: As of February 29, 2024, commenting privileges on reason.com posts are limited to Reason Plus subscribers. Past commenters are grandfathered in for a temporary period. Subscribe here to preserve your ability to comment. Your Reason Plus subscription also gives you an ad-free version of reason.com, along with full access to the digital edition and archives of Reason magazine. We request that comments be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for comments, which are owned by the readers who post them. Comments do not represent the views of reason.com or Reason Foundation. We reserve the right to delete any comment and ban commenters for any reason at any time. Comments may only be edited within 5 minutes of posting. Report abuses.

  1. Fist of Etiquette   9 years ago

    Now, what if I told you that the Divisions of Elections reports to Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican who runs a pro-Donald Trump SuperPAC?

    Uh, why do you think anyone cares at all which party has the governor's mansion in any given state? Every four years it becomes handy. Duh-doy.

    1. Homple   9 years ago

      Yes, that's why parties want to get their guys elected to key positions. It has been known to happen in the past and will continue until the Cherubim and Seraphim descend to earth and start running the place.

      By the way, how many more kooks do we need on the "debate" stage, anyway?

      1. Heroic Mulatto   9 years ago

        By the way, how many more kooks do we need on the "debate" stage, anyway?
        1 more.

        1. Chipper Morning Wood   9 years ago

          My favorite moment from the 2008 election.

          1. geciyuwoyi   9 years ago

            Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail,,,.,.,,,,,,

            ------------------>>> http://www.highpay90.com

          2. xumuwe   9 years ago

            Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail,,,.,.,.,

            ------------------>>> http://www.4cyberworks.com

    2. EmilyMellor   9 years ago

      Start working from home! Great job for students, stay-at-home moms or anyone needing an extra income... You only need a computer and a reliable internet connection... Make $90 hourly and up to $14000 a month by following link at the bottom and signing up... You can have your first check by the end of this week... Go to this website and click tech tab for more info..This Web? http://goo.gl/n5WfgS

    3. BrookeRoss   9 years ago

      I Make up to $90 an hour working from my home. My story is that I quit working at Walmart to work online and with a little effort I easily bring in around $75h to $86h?Go to this website and click tech tab to start your own business... Go this web.... http://goo.gl/Tn2qSr

  2. The Fusionist   9 years ago

    I thought Floridians voted to liberalize ballot access in 1998 - giving 3rd parties equal status with Dems and Reps.

    This was actually blamed for the election results of 2000 (not true but a useful claim for some).

    What's up with that?

  3. Diane Reynolds (Paul.)   9 years ago

    Evan McMullin Gratuitously Denied Ballot Access in Florida, Because That's What the Duopoly Does

    Why did Evan Mcmullin deny ballot access, and how did he get that power?

    1. The Hyperbole ((Very Tall))   9 years ago

      Evan McMullin, "Gratuitously Denied Ballot Access?" In Florida because that. What the Duopoly? Does!!

      /Lionel Hutz

  4. Libertarian   9 years ago

    Trump told us the system was rigged. Now we know how he knew!

  5. LarryA   9 years ago

    "You don't need that many parties!"
    Bernie

  6. Brochettaward   9 years ago

    Don't know what they are complaining about. There was a process here that was followed. That makes it legitimate.

  7. Eman   9 years ago

    Every time I see that losers name I pronounce it to myself Evan McMuffin.

    1. Eman   9 years ago

      Does everybody do that and not make the joke cuz its too obvious? He's kinda asking for it.

  8. DenverJ   9 years ago

    So, Is like the back story on why the debates are no longer ran by the League of Mysterious Gentlemen Women Voters.

    1. DenverJ   9 years ago

      I'd, not Is. Stoopit phone

      1. Chipper Morning Wood   9 years ago

        Only slightly stoopid

    2. straffinrun   9 years ago

      Now it's an overnight thread, DJ's here.

      1. DenverJ   9 years ago

        *Does little bow, does NOT fall over because still mostly sober

    3. DenverJ   9 years ago

      From Wikipedia:

      In 1987, the LWV withdrew from debate sponsorship, in protest of the major party candidates attempting to dictate nearly every aspect of how the debates were conducted. On October 2, 1988, the LWV's 14 trustees voted unanimously to pull out of the debates, and on October 3 they issued a press release:[13]

      "The League of Women Voters is withdrawing sponsorship of the presidential debates...because the demands of the two campaign organizations would perpetrate a fraud on the American voter. It has become clear to us that the candidates' organizations aim to add debates to their list of campaign-trail charades devoid of substance, spontaneity and answers to tough questions. The League has no intention of becoming an accessory to the hoodwinking of the American public."

      1. Chipper Morning Wood   9 years ago

        So, they withdrew in protest to the fraud so that the fraud could be perpetrated more easily.

        1. DenverJ   9 years ago

          Yes, but their name is not associated with the fraud. I do wish they were still something the debates: at least they would push back.

  9. straffinrun   9 years ago

    OT: Disclaimers, unfortunately, are necessary. I DO NOT support Trump. His Machiavellian tactics are a thing to behold, however. People hate the press and by reducing them to whimpering, "That's not fair!" is something I enjoy immensely.
    http://www.realclearpolitics.c.....media.html

    1. DenverJ   9 years ago

      I liked "Muffbomber" better.

      1. straffinrun   9 years ago

        *Dons goggles*

    2. SIV   9 years ago

      Don't support TRUMP all you like. Just be a good ex-pat and haul your ass down to the consulate and vote for him absentee. You don't have to tell a soul, or just lie and say you voted for the L.P. nominee.

      1. straffinrun   9 years ago

        I haven't voted in 20 plus years. This is not the election where I'm gonna start.

        1. SIV   9 years ago

          I haven't voted in a presidential, general election in 16 years (Harry Browne in 2000). I'm just encouraging other people to vote for Trump (who I did vote for in Georgia's presidential preference primary).

  10. american socialist   9 years ago

    Matt,

    Full stop, ok? We don't care about whether a politician who advocates for peace, an end to the drug war, and abortion on demands gets on the debate stage. This election is all about the colossal battle between HRC and Trump. It's time to take sides and the clear libertarian option is {guffaw}, excuse me, Donald Trump.

    1. DenverJ   9 years ago

      Shut up, baby; I know it.

    2. Contrarian P   9 years ago

      This thread is about the colossal struggle you seem to have with logic or sense.

    3. Jimmy Free Trade Pirate   9 years ago

      Hi AMSOC. =) I'm an anarchist, and I'm voting for Hillary, just like you. She is the candidate that will burn down the rule of law, and the economy faster than Trump will.
      It will be so much easier under her rule to burn your house down, and watch you, and your family starve in the streets.
      Have a nice weekend. =)

      1. american socialist   9 years ago

        I'm not an anarchist nor will I be voting for HRC. The difference between you and me and 80% of the other garden variety right-wingers on this message board is that you and me won't be voting for Donald Trump. Have you read the "ABCs of Communist Anarchism?" I recommend it to all budding anarchists.

        1. DenverJ   9 years ago

          So, you do understand that socialism and anarchy are polar opposites of each other, right? God, you're such a dumbass.

          1. american socialist   9 years ago

            They are? Someone should have informed George Orwell, who caught for an anarchist militia in the Spanish Civil War and later became a staunch socialist in the British Labor party. Someone also should have told Rosa Luxemburgh, who used the terms socialist, libertarian and Marxist interchangeably.

            Libertarianism didn't begin with the first page of Atlas Shrugged. Sorry.

            1. DEATFBIRSECIA   9 years ago

              It actually started around page 583.

  11. SIV   9 years ago

    So dope-addled Sunshine State Millennials who can actually find their polling place won't be voting for NATHAN JOHNSON by mistake. This seems like a win for GayJay and the L.P.

  12. gah87   9 years ago

    "It rarely ends well."
    Usually a bloody revolution, where the people typically get tromped by dictators who promise them all the gold they can eat.

  13. S1   9 years ago

    You guys are still whining about the 15% standard for the debates? Jesus Christ people.

    Free market solution: start your own debate organization that has whatever standards you want for inclusion. Invite Gary Johnson. Invite Jill Stein. Invite the Constitution Party. Invite the dead gorilla. Find somebody willing to broadcast it and an audience willing to watch it, and wala, the CPD's standards would be irrelevant because the market has spoken.

    You know, how the free market you supposedly support for everything else?

    But here we see you complaining that you can't force the major party candidates to debate your guy and can't force the networks to broadcast it. How libertarian!

    1. DenverJ   9 years ago

      "wala" is spelled voila, because French.

      1. Chipper Morning Wood   9 years ago

        "Wala" is like a millenial idiot signal.

    2. Domestic Dissident   9 years ago

      Sadly, Reason hasn't been a champion of free markets for some time now.

    3. Glide   9 years ago

      Yep. I've clicked on all the debate articles because I enjoy the horse-race aspect of it. But I would definitely agree that the lawsuit against the CPD was unlibertarian, and continuing to harp on how mean the parties are for protecting their own interests is silly.

      You know who's really to blame? The people who wouldn't dream of tuning into a debate unless it was hosted by one of three channels or was missing a major candidate. That is to say, basically everyone.

  14. S1   9 years ago

    The hilarious part of course is that the ballot access system is far more arbitrary and rigged than opinion polls, but Reason still wants to use it as the basis of inclusion in the debates. Because it helps their guy.

    Is this not the definition of partisanship?

    1. DenverJ   9 years ago

      The hilarious part of course is that the ballot access system is far more arbitrary and rigged than opinion polls,

      citation needed, or, in the vernacular: WTF are you talking about?

      Is this not the definition of partisanship?

      Yes. Republicans support the Republican candidate, Democrats support the Democratic candidate, and Libertarians (OMG!) support the Libertarian candidate.

      1. DenverJ   9 years ago

        Ah, my mistake, you were talking about candidates gaining access to the ballot; i withdraw my criticism. Buzz must be getting here 🙂

      2. Jimmy Free Trade Pirate   9 years ago

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn1I-VonuoM

      3. S1   9 years ago

        Supporting your party is one thing, making dishonest and self-contradictory arguments in favor of your party is another.

        And of course, Reason is a tax-exempt nonprofit just like the CPD, so their complaining about the CPD favoring their favorite parties is a little on the ironic side.

        1. DenverJ   9 years ago

          Ah. Ok. Valid critique on their hypocrisy.

      4. John   9 years ago

        Yes they all do. It is just Libertarians pretend that everyone but them are partisans.

    2. Chipper Morning Wood   9 years ago

      Sorry dude, I can't take anything you say seriously, because you said "wala." Unless, of course, you are an Aborigine . At least then the Playboy centerfold would talk to you.

      1. straffinrun   9 years ago

        Your Playboy link is N/A for me. BTW, has an Aborigine ever appeared nekid in Playboy?

        1. Chipper Morning Wood   9 years ago

          It was a link to a Too Much Joy song. Don't know about Playboy, but try this.

          1. DenverJ   9 years ago

            I don't think I'm going to click that. Just have a feeling...

            1. DenverJ   9 years ago

              Ok, so of course I clicked it. I was wrong, that is very beautiful. It's not even pornographic, it's just very pretty.

              1. DenverJ   9 years ago

                I like the archer chick with the full bush.This kind of beauty is what Eddie should use to argue for God.

          2. straffinrun   9 years ago

            Can I have that on my coffee table.

      2. S1   9 years ago

        So what you're saying is that you don't have an argument against what I said, so you hide behind a semantic nitpick to protect your beliefs.

  15. banakuyib   9 years ago

    my co-worker's step-aunt makes $68 hourly on the internet . She has been without a job for seven months but last month her payment was $16869 just working on the internet for a few hours. Learn More Here .... http://www.Highpay90.com

  16. miwarukuya   9 years ago

    My Uncle Caleb got a stunning metallic Infiniti QX50 SUV just by working from a laptop... you can check
    Go To This
    http://tinyurl.com/FBcash-point

  17. LisaSYoung   9 years ago

    I am making $89/hour working from home. I never thought that it was legitimate but my best friend is earning $10 thousand a month by working online, that was really surprising for me, she recommended me to try it. just try it out on the following website.

    ??? http://www.NetNote70.com

  18. zocokiko   9 years ago

    upto I looked at the bank draft four $5963 , I be certain that...my... best friend woz like they say actualy bringing home money parttime on there computar. . there friends cousin has been doing this 4 less than 13 months and resently took care of the debts on their apartment and bought a new Mazda . check out here .

    CLICK THIS LINK???? >> http://www.earnmax6.com/

  19. Black Magic Specialist   9 years ago

    Our Black Magic Specialist Provide Best Astrology Services In India.

  20. John   9 years ago

    So if Hillary continues to tank in the polls, at some point I think reason is going to have to check Suderman and Dalmia into some kind of inpatient facility so they can't harm themselves.

  21. John   9 years ago

    What is uniquely reprehensible about Trump's views o immigration? I get it that you don't agree and that is fine. But at this point you seem to have no argument why that is true. You are not convinced anyone Matt, if that is even the point for you anymore.

Please log in to post comments

Mute this user?

  • Mute User
  • Cancel

Ban this user?

  • Ban User
  • Cancel

Un-ban this user?

  • Un-ban User
  • Cancel

Nuke this user?

  • Nuke User
  • Cancel

Un-nuke this user?

  • Un-nuke User
  • Cancel

Flag this comment?

  • Flag Comment
  • Cancel

Un-flag this comment?

  • Un-flag Comment
  • Cancel

Latest

Blame California Politicians for the State's Sky-High Gasoline Prices

J.D. Tuccille | 7.11.2025 7:00 AM

Review: The Endless Summer Chases the Perfect Surf Conditions Around the Globe

Liz Wolfe | From the August/September 2025 issue

Brickbat: Shocking Mistake

Charles Oliver | 7.11.2025 4:00 AM

Trump Wants Harvard To Hand Over Info on Over 10,000 International Students

Autumn Billings | 7.10.2025 5:18 PM

The People Who Wrecked N.Y. Schools Love Zohran Mamdani

Matt Welch | 7.10.2025 5:03 PM

Recommended

  • About
  • Browse Topics
  • Events
  • Staff
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Media
  • Shop
  • Amazon
Reason Facebook@reason on XReason InstagramReason TikTokReason YoutubeApple PodcastsReason on FlipboardReason RSS

© 2024 Reason Foundation | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

r

Do you care about free minds and free markets? Sign up to get the biggest stories from Reason in your inbox every afternoon.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

This modal will close in 10

Reason Plus

Special Offer!

  • Full digital edition access
  • No ads
  • Commenting privileges

Just $25 per year

Join Today!