Buckeye Ballot Access Coalition

In order to create a minor party in Ohio, you will need to follow the rules and procedures established by the Ohio Secretary of State. Here are the steps you will need to take:

1. Choose a name for your party that has not already been chosen by another party in Ohio.
2. Establish a political party formation committee of five valid electors.
3. Obtain a list of registered voters in Ohio from the county board of elections.
4. Gather signatures from registered voters to petition for recognition as a minor party. The number of signatures you need will depend on the total number of votes cast in the most recent election for the office of Governor.
5. File the petition and any required documentation with the Ohio Secretary of State.
6. If the petition is approved, your party will be recognized as an official minor party in Ohio and you will be able to participate in elections and nominate candidates to run for office.

It’s important to note that the process for creating a minor party may vary from state to state, so you should check with your state’s election authorities for specific details on the process in Ohio.

Resources: https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/elections/directives/2019/eom_12-2019/eom_ch13_2019-12-18.pdf

Minor parties can play a number of important roles in the political process. Some of the ways that minor parties can be influential include:

1. Offering alternative viewpoints: Minor parties can provide a platform for candidates and ideas that may not be represented by the major parties. This can help to ensure that a broader range of perspectives are heard and considered in the political process.
2. Influencing major party platforms: Minor parties can put pressure on the major parties to adopt certain policies or positions by drawing support away from them. For example, the Green Party’s focus on environmental issues has led the Democratic Party to adopt more environmentally-friendly policies.
3. Providing a stepping stone for future political leaders: Many successful political leaders, including Presidents, have started their careers by running for office as members of minor parties.
4. Shaping the political discourse: Minor parties can bring attention to issues and ideas that may not be part of the mainstream political conversation, and can help to shift the focus of political debates.

Overall, minor parties can play a valuable role in the political process by offering alternative viewpoints, influencing the major parties, and shaping the political discourse.

A minor party is a political party that is not one of the two major parties in the United States, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Minor parties in Ohio may include the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, and other parties that have a smaller base of support than the major parties. Minor parties may also be referred to as third parties.

In Ohio, political parties and independent candidates must follow specific procedures to be placed on the ballot. Here are some general rules for how ballot access works in Ohio:

1. Political parties: To be recognized as a political party in Ohio and have their candidates’ names appear on the ballot, the party must demonstrate that it has a “substantial showing of support.” This is typically done by submitting a petition with the signatures of registered voters equal to at least 1% of the total votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election.
2. Independent candidates: Independent candidates who are not affiliated with a political party must also submit a petition with a certain number of signatures to be placed on the ballot. The number of signatures required depends on the office being sought and the population of the district. For example, an independent candidate running for the Ohio House of Representatives in a district with a population of 75,000 would need at least 50 signatures, while an independent candidate running for the Ohio Senate in a district with a population of 200,000 would need at least 100 signatures.
3. Minor parties: Minor parties, which are political parties that are not recognized as “major parties” in Ohio, may also qualify for ballot access by submitting a petition with the signatures of registered voters equal to at least 1% of the total votes cast in the most recent presidential election.
4. Special elections: The rules for ballot access may be different for special elections, such as elections to fill a vacancy in the Ohio General Assembly. In these cases, the Ohio Secretary of State’s office or the relevant county board of elections can provide information on the specific requirements for ballot access.

Ballot access refers to the rules and regulations that govern how political parties and candidates can get their names on the ballot for an election. These rules vary by state and can include requirements for the number of signatures on a petition, fees, and the submission of other forms or documents. The goal of these rules is to ensure that the election process is fair and open, and that only qualified candidates are allowed to run for office. However, some critics argue that strict ballot access rules can make it more difficult for third parties and independent candidates to get on the ballot, which can limit the choices available to voters.