The state objection panel in Iowa voted 2-1 to remove three Libertarian congressional candidates from the November ballot. The two Republicans on the panel argued that the Libertarians did not meet the requirements by not holding county conventions and failing to notify county auditors of those elected at conventions. Democratic Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand voted against the removal of the candidates.
The candidates left off the ballot are Nicholas Gluba (District 1), Marco Battaglia (District 3), and Charles Aldrich (District 4). The GOP-led challenge raised concerns about the Libertarian party’s process of nominating candidates, stating they went from county caucuses straight to a state convention without holding county conventions to select delegates.
The Libertarian party of Iowa is considering appealing the decision. They had recently achieved ‘major party’ status in Iowa after earning more than 2% of the vote in the 2022 general election. This decision could impact the choices available to voters in those districts come November.
The removal of the Libertarian candidates from the ballot highlights the ongoing political maneuvering in Iowa as the state heads towards the general election. It also underscores the challenges faced by third-party candidates in gaining ballot access and recognition in the two-party dominated political landscape.
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Photo credit cbs2iowa.com