New Texas Law Loosens Some Requirements For Third Parties, And Could Ultimately Benefit Republicans

The law lowers the percentage of votes a third party needs to have gotten in a previous election, in order to get on the ballot in 2020.

By Laura RiceSeptember 24, 2019 10:39 am

A new state law that went into effect this month changes the requirements for third-party candidates to make it onto the ballot in Texas. In some ways, it makes it easier for them, but NBC News reports that the new law could ultimately end up benefitting Republicans. And some third parties are still involved in a lawsuit seeking even looser ballot requirements.

Adam Edelman is a political reporter for NBC News, and says the new law, passed by Texas’ majority Republican Legislature, lowers the percentage of votes a third party needs to have gotten in at least one previous statewide race.

“They only have to meet a 2% threshold in any statewide race in any of the last five election cycles,” Edelman says.

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– Why Republicans would want to make it easier for third parties to get on the ballot

– Whether the new law could end up benefitting Democrats instead

– Why some third parties are skeptical of the new law

 

Written by Caroline Covington.