There will be another party on the 2016 general election ballot, according to information from the Secretary of State’s office Tuesday. The Libertarian Party of Arkansas met the signature requirement for a new party in the state, Secretary of State spokesman Chris Powell said.
The party – which advocates limited government on economic and social issues – turned in their petitions June 2 to Secretary of State Mark Martin to be a part of the 2016 campaign.
Powell said the party turned in 15,619 signatures, with 11,918 valid. The number – which must be signed by registered voters in Arkansas – was more than the 10,000 required to become a new political party.
Before the Secretary of State can provide a certificate officially recognizing the Libertarian Party of Arkansas as a new political party, they must submit an affidavit, signed by the officers of the party, under oath, that complies with the provisions of Arkansas Code Annotated § 7-3-108(b).
Upon certification as a new political party, the Libertarian Party of Arkansas is free to field candidates in any upcoming partisan elections through the next general election in 2016. However, as a new political party, they must nominate candidates by convention for the general election, rather than by primary, Powell said.
During the 2014 elections, the party fielded candidates for every statewide federal and state office. Most of the candidates received between 2 and 6% of the vote.
One candidates – Grant Brand – received nearly 20% of the vote against incumbent Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, in the Third District. The party’s candidate for governor – Frank Gilbert – as well as its candidate for U.S. Senate – Nathan LaFrance – both received about 2% of the vote.