A third political party in NC?

Published March 28, 2014

By Tom Campbell

by Tom Campbell, Executive Producer and Moderator, NC SPIN, March 27, 2014.

Fact: 26 percent of all registered voters are Unaffiliated. More than one in four had the option of registering as a Democrat or a Republican but chose not to do so.

Some probably chose to remain unaffiliated because they get to choose either the Republican or Democratic ballot in primary elections and I must admit that appeals to me. But I suspect that a large number studied both parties’ stated beliefs and, perhaps more importantly, their actions and decided they couldn’t agree with enough of either to become a party member.

The question then becomes whether there is a place for a third political party in North Carolina. If so, what should it be named? Does it need a formal structure, staff or treasury? Should it have stated beliefs and platforms or, respecting the independence of members, accept that the unaffiliated tent is big enough for many opinions without trying to prescribe what one should believe? Should this party attempt to enlist and support candidates running for office?

For years there have been discussions about forming a third political party in North Carolina, but these discussions have never become reality, partially because the two current parties have passed legislation making it difficult to gain access to ballots.  According toBallotpedia.org:

“The process whereby unaffiliated candidates become eligible to appear on the general election ballot is established by Chapter 163, Article 11, Section 122 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Unaffiliated candidates must file the same forms and pay the same filing fees as partisan candidates.[11] In addition, they must petition to appear on the ballot. Signature requirements are as follows (additional petition requirements are discussed below):”

Office

How the number of signatures is determined

Number for 2014

Governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide offices2% of the total number of voters who voted in the most recent general election for Governor (must include at least 200 signatures from each congressional district)89,366
U.S House, State House and Senate seats for districts that cover more than one county4% of the total number of registered voters in the district as of January 1 of the election yearVaries
State House and Senate seats for districts that lie within one county4% of the total number of registered voters in the district as of January 1 of the election yearVaries

Here is a rare chance for you to have a true voice in public policy issues. We would like to know what you think of the idea of a third political party. Go to our website www.ncthirdparty.com and give us your comments. And sign up for future communications…no we won’t sell your name to anyone or spam you, but you can see future posts.

One more thing you can do: If you know someone else who might want to read and add their voice to this site please spread the word. Let’s see just how many people are interested.

Disclosure: This posting and this website are sponsored by NC SPIN in hopes of generating debate from people of all political persuasions to participate in a discussion. The website is a moderated blog, meaning the administrators will review each response before posting on the site….not to select those opinions on which they agree but to ensure no libelous, mean spirited or profane language is permitted.

 

March 28, 2014 at 2:34 pm
NC SPIN says:

Comment sent by email from Mike Armstrong, Rocky Mount

Rather than create another party that, with time will become just as corrupt, why not ask the question begging for an answer, Why have political parties, at all? By their nature, they are corrupt and self-serving. They stifle open and full discussion of matters of public policy.

A good case could be made that our political system began its downhill trends with the birth and development of political parties. All such organizations will, ultimately benefit collectivism and/or expansion of the administrative state, of one sort or the other.

March 28, 2014 at 6:46 pm
Richard Bunce says:

There are third parties in NC... I often vote for Libertarian Party candidates. Voters can end this nonsense in one election cycle. No need for any action other than that... voters complain but then vote like they always vote.

March 30, 2014 at 7:22 am
Len Bull says:

As a resident of NC from 1989 thru early 2009, and now a resident of Vermont, I totally support the concept of a third party, or better, NO party! The system that we have now has turned into a disconnected (from the constituents) group of people who are interested in themselves first and foremost, and, as my Independent and interesting Senator from Vermont, Bernie Sanders says: "The Congress of the United States is for sale.". I agree totally. As a former administrator with responsibilities for performance reviews of the persons who reported to me, I can tell you that if the "ratings" of those individuals were what the approval ratings of the current Congress are, those persons would have been terminated. Period. As the employers of the current Congress (voted in and paid by our tax money), it is time to start over. The idea of "No Incumbent Politicians" in the next election is a place to start, as long as those replacing them are: a. Totally independent of EITHER of the current inept parties; b. Aware that they will be held accountable for their actions unlike the current crop have been; c. That they will be accountable to ALL of the rules and laws that they pass and impose on the REST OF US (retirement, medical, etc!!).

The time to start is NOW, with the primaries that will lead to the next election. As the "bosses" of those individuals, it is time to stand up and exercise our responsibility!

March 30, 2014 at 10:26 am
Richard Bunce says:

Interestingly while the polls for Congress usually reflect the very low approval numbers you describe the polls for a persons own Senator or Representative often reflect much higher approval as do the election result. It's not my elected official in Congress, it's everyone else's elected official in Congress seems to be the message. Until that changes the third party candidates will struggle for enough votes in the Districts and States in which they run for election.

March 30, 2014 at 4:56 pm
Len Bull says:

Richard:

I agree with you. I apply my concern to everyone, mine and yours! I also think that the American people have a responsibility to step up and demand better than we are getting.

Thanks for the comment.

LEN