ballot access libertarian vermont
Secretary of State Denies Libertarians Ballot Access
The Secretary of State’s Office denied several Libertarian candidates spots on the ballot because the United States Postal Service failed to deliver their consent forms by last Friday’s 5 PM deadline.
Most of the candidates filed consent forms and had them post marked by Thursday September 14. According to postal employees next day delivery is the standard in Vermont. Unlike private carriers such as Fed-Ex, the USPS won’t guarantee next-day delivery service even for priority mail which at least one of candidate used.
Five of the original seven candidates the VTLP chose to focus on will remain on the ballot. David Atkinson and Hardy Machia will appear on the ballot as Libertarian/Republicans because they were able to drive the 1-2 hours to hand delivery their consent forms. Andrew Thomas had his consent form hand delivered so he will appear on the ballot as a Libertarian. Jeff Manney, Ben Todd, and Bob Wolffe will appear on the ballot as Republicans.
The VTLP decided not to pursue legal action to have Manney, Todd, and Wolffe listed as Lib/Rep, and instead decided to focus on getting our candidates elected. If any lawyers wish to file the necessary motions to have the courts force the Secretary of State to follow the law (Title 17: Elections, 17 V.S.A. ? 2474. Choice of party) our candidates would appreciate your help.
