Check if you can sign the Minor Party Nominating Petitions!

The Libertarian Party of Ohio has filed to regain ballot access and that gives our candidates until July 18th to collect valid voter signatures to qualify for this upcoming November Election!

If you have not voted in a partisan primary in the last 2 years, qualifying you as an unaffiliated voter, you can sign Libertarian candidate petitions and get them on the ballot!

Ohio state-wide and local Libertarian candidates need your help!

Check and see if you can sign the Ohio Minor Party Candidate Nominating Petition!

Franklin County Libertarian Candidates,

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new candidate petitioning tool:

 CanISign.org

This is a voter validation tool using up-to-date voter records from the Ohio Secretary of State website.

Candidates and voters can easily verify if a voter record is eligible to sign the minor party candidate nominating petition.

All they need is last name, street name, the county from the pull down, the online tool check the public voter records, brings back a list of possible matches and lets you pick the right one. 

This is checking all primaries in the voter record back to 2022, so even if someone forgets, we can be certain.

The tool is up-to-date with full voter data for all 88 Ohio counties, and can be found at CanISign.org and CanISign.com.

This will tremendously simplify the odious petitioning process.

Please feel free to share this resources with anyone who needs to confirm unaffiliated and independent votes.

We are ordering more copies of Judge Grey’s magnificent book for local candidates, and there is a kindle version if you need it sooner.

https://a.co/d/0H3T3rT

FTA/ More of a “must-do” book than a “how-to” book, How to Win a Local Election guides readers through the campaign process detailing what they need to accomplish along the way in order to be victorious. Here you will find information on planning and organizing a campaign; how to run as an independent candidate; the various roles of people in your compaign; campaign procedures and techniques; and how to use computers, the internet, and emails to both manipulate and disseminate data. The book also offers useful advice on issues from financial reporting to developing a campaign theme and strategy, how to win “one precinct at a time,” and even offers tips on such fundamental tasks as the creation and placement of yardsigns and billboards. /

Signatures Needed for Candidate Petitions!

The Libertarian Party of Ohio has filed to regain ballot access and that gives our candidates until July 18th to collect valid voter signatures to qualify for this upcoming November Election!

If you have not voted in a partisan primary in the last 2 years, qualifying you as an unaffiliated voter, you can sign Libertarian candidate petitions and get them on the ballot!

County party members and candidates will be at Pins Mechanical at Easton Town Center Thursday, July 11th at 6:30pm.
Drop by, sign petitions and celebrate our return to the ballot!

We will have state-wide, county and state representative candidate petitions to sign. If you are not sure of your district, we can look it up!

Thursday, July 11th @ 6:30pm – 9pm

Pins Mechanical Co
4117 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219

Directions

Libertarian Party on Immigration

The Libertarian Party platform on immigration is deeply rooted in principles of individual freedom, limited government, and the belief in the benefits of open markets and societies.

  1. Decentralization and Local Control: We advocate decentralization of immigration policy. States, local communities, and private organizations better understand their own needs and preferences, leading to more responsive and effective immigration policies.
  2. Individual Freedom: We uphold the right of individuals to move freely and live where we choose, within national borders or across them. We view immigration as an extension of individual liberty, the right to seek better opportunities for ourselves and our families.
  3. Free Markets and Economic Benefits: We recognize that immigration brings economic benefits, filling labor shortages and starting businesses. Open immigration allow businesses to hire the talent globally and consumers benefit from increased competition and innovation.
  4. Limited Government Intervention: We oppose govt intervention that restricts immigration, such as quotas, excessive border controls, or prohibitive bureaucratic hurdles. We advocate for minimal govt involvement in regulating who can enter or reside in a country.
  5. Pathways to Legal Status: We support clear and efficient pathways to legal residency and citizenship. We believe in the importance of rule of law and orderly processes, favoring reforms that facilitate legal immigration and the status of those already in the country.
  6. Humanitarian Considerations: We support compassionate treatment of asylum seekers and refugees, recognizing the right to seek safety and protection from persecution or violence. We advocate for fair and efficient assessment of asylum claims to provide assistance to those in need.

In essence, the Libertarian approach to immigration prioritizes individual liberty, economic freedom, and humanitarian considerations while advocating for limited government interference and decentralized decision-making. We seek to create a system that respects individual rights, maximizes economic opportunities, and upholds the principles of a free and open society.

Libertarian Party of Ohio Submits Petitions for Minor Party Status

Columbus, Ohio, July 2nd — The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio proudly announces the submission of petitions to attain minor party status for the upcoming election cycle and beyond. This pivotal step demonstrates the party’s commitment to expanding voter choice and advocating for libertarian principles in Franklin County.

In accordance with state regulations, the Libertarian Party of Ohio has diligently collected and filed 88,000 petition signatures from registered voters across the state. These petitions are essential for the party’s bid to achieve official recognition as a minor party, enabling it to field candidates and participate fully in the electoral process.

“We are excited to have completed this crucial phase in our journey towards securing minor party status,” said Jonathan Cowan. “Submitting the minor party petitions represents a significant milestone for our party and reinforces our dedication to offering voters alternative political options that prioritize individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and limited government.”

Achieving minor party status will allow the Franklin County Libertarian Party to bring forth a diverse slate of candidates who embody libertarian values and address the concerns of local communities. The party remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance through its participation in the democratic process.

As the petitions undergo review by each county Board of Elections, the Franklin County Libertarian Party continues to engage with residents, raise awareness about its platform, and prepare for the upcoming election season. The party encourages residents to learn more about its candidates, initiatives, and commitment to advancing principles of liberty and personal responsibility.

For more information about the Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio and its efforts to secure minor party status, please visit fclpo.org.


Contact: Ken Holpp, Communications Director, info@fclpo.org

About the Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio: The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio is dedicated to promoting individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and limited government through its advocacy and electoral efforts. By seeking minor party status, the party aims to provide voters with additional choices and contribute to a more robust and diverse political landscape in Franklin County.

“Here Am I; Send Me!”

Election season is on us again and we have a problem: unopposed seats.

By last count, at least 12 seats were running unopposed.

Those being:

Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
Franklin County Coroner
Franklin County Recorder
Franklin County Sheriff
Franklin County Treasurer
State Representative Ohio House District 01
State Representative Ohio House District 02
State Representative Ohio House District 03
State Representative Ohio House District 05
State Representative Ohio House District 07
State Representative Ohio House District 08
State Representative Ohio House District 09

This is intolerable.  This is not democracy.  Surely, we can do better.

During last year’s election, I was appalled at the number of unopposed seats on the ballot.  I would love to see fewer.

Letting seats run unopposed is giving up.  It’s saying we no longer care who makes the decisions that affect our lives.

Surely, there must be some among those reading this who are willing and able to run for public office and at least give the voters a choice.

Well, I am.

I just so happens that I live in District 8, and I don’t like unopposed races either so I’m tossing my hat into the ring.  I’m entering the race for State House Representative for District 8.

Do you live in any of the other Districts?  Will you consider running?

If you are interested, See the Run for Office section at the end of this newsletter.

Hope to see you on the ballot.

Ken Holpp, Secretary, Franklin County Libertarian Party and District 8 Ohio Statehouse Representative candidate.

Candidate Quick Start Training

Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.

Join Franklin County Libertarians for a “Candidate Quick Start Training”.

We have scheduled 2 candidate training sessions at the Whitehall branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
4445 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213

Both sessions will cover the same “Candidate Quick Start Training”.

Candidate Training – FCLPO
Franklin County Libertarians
Tuesday, February 06, 2024: 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Whitehall – Meeting Room 1

Candidate Training – FCLPO
Franklin County Libertarians
Thursday, February 15, 2024: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Whitehall – Meeting Room 2

Candidate Training Agenda

Opening and guest introductions

Candidate introductions
• Name and office you want to run for
• Why do you want to run for this office?
• How do you see Libertarian philosophy being applied to your office?

Presentation: “Getting Started”

• What’s involved in being a candidate
• Legal steps to get on the ballot detailed
• Why legislative and statewide campaigns should be seen as two-year effort
• Translating Libertarian principles into policy

Questions and answers

• What do you most need to know to get off to a good start?

Close

Handouts
• Candidate Quick Start
• Elections Calendar
• Libertarian National Platform (condensed)
• Resources for Libertarian Candidates


Columbus Metropolitan Library: Whitehall Branch
4445 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213

How much can you campaign and win? Even just filing and having a simple website can win an election!

The county party is in a position to support candidates county wide to collect signatures for ballot access, fundraise, coordinate community events and run campaigns. Even just a “basic” campaign that involves filing paperwork, simple website, answering surveys and directing volunteers to help other more engaged candidates would be worthwhile and provide those communities with choice on the ballot.

 

You can run a basic, engaged or all out campaign.We already have several candidates across Franklin County that are gearing up “all out” campaigns and we know the more people running with the same message the more attention we can get everyone.The following elected roles will be UNOPPOSED going into the November General Election! (without an independent opponent they have already won that election)Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas 
Franklin County Coroner 
Franklin County Recorder 
Franklin County Sheriff 
Franklin County Treasurer 
State Representative Ohio House District 01 
State Representative Ohio House District 03 
State Representative Ohio House District 07 


Review requirements for each role in the Ohio Secretary of State Candidate Requirement Guide.

The filing date for Independent candidates is March 18, 2024.



THREE district races for Ohio Assembly are UNOPPOSED for the general election in November 2024.
Get started today!
Get connected with FCLPO and get started!

Run for Local Office! Get started today!

How much can you campaign and win? Even just filing and having a simple website can win an election!

The county party is in a position to support candidates county wide to collect signatures for ballot access, fundraise, coordinate community events and run campaigns. Even just a “basic” campaign that involves filing paperwork, simple website, answering surveys and directing volunteers to help other more engaged candidates would be worthwhile and provide those communities with choice on the ballot. 

You can run a basic, engaged or all out campaign.

We already have several candidates across Franklin County that are gearing up “all out” campaigns and we know the more people running with the same message the more attention we can get everyone.

The following elected roles will be UNOPPOSED going into the November General Election! (without an independent opponent they have already won that election)

Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
Franklin County Coroner
Franklin County Sheriff
Franklin County Treasurer
State Representative Ohio House District 01
State Representative Ohio House District 05
State Representative Ohio House District 07

Review requirements for each role in the Ohio Secretary of State Candidate Requirement Guide.

The filing date for Libertarian candidates is July 18th.

SEVEN district races for Ohio Assembly are UNOPPOSED for the general election in November 2024.

Get started today!

Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.

Please complete this form, and our Political Director will be in contact with you.

Contact Information *
Required
Name: *
Phone:
Email: *
What office do you want to run for? (required) : *
 
 


Thinking about running for public office?

Franklin County Libertarians wishing to run in “partisan” races will need to file as Independent.
The county party pledges assistance and resources to qualify.

Partisan candidates with ballot access (not Libertarians, booo) are required to file by Wed, Dec 20th.
Independent candidates have until Mon, Mar 18th, 2024.

The petition signature requirements for party candidates are different for each race, but substantially lower than the requirements for independent candidates.

Example: State Representative for District 6
Partisan candidate signatures required: 50 (max 150)
Independent candidate signatures required:
273 (max 819)

Now, you might be wondering “Just how hard is it to collect 50 signatures?”

Short answer: hard

Long answer: Not just 50 signatures, 50 validated signatures.

The person signing the petition must be a registered voter in the district or area of your election. Not registered, not counted.

The person signing the petition must have voted in any election in the last 2 years. Not voted, not counted. (This is squishy.)

The signature on the petition must match the signature the county board of election has on record. No match, not counted.

On average experienced circulators can collect 50 to 100 signatures a day, with validity averaging 1 in 4.
It also depends on location and time of day. Going door-to-door produces better signatures and higher validatity. Standing in front of grocery stores or bustling shopping areas produces lower validity.
Thus means you can’t just get the bare minimum 50, you must collect more, and experience recommends 2x more.

Even longtime incumbent candidates collect plenty more than the minimum, and potential candidates are disqualified all the time for missing the minimum by as few as 1 signature. 

In 2018 the Libertarian Party of Ohio submitted 102k signatures to qualify for minor party status.
Roughly 64k were deemed “valid” by county boards of election.

Get that ball rolling now, the sooner we connect, the better our chances of getting you elected!

Run for local or state office: https://www.fclpo.org/run-for-local-office/

Source: https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/BOEL-website/media/Election-Info/2024/(1)%20Primary%20Election%20-%20March%2019,%202024/(1)%20Notices%20of%20Election/2024-Election-Schedule-8.pdf