-- Return to Press Page The Oklahoman, February 28, 2005 Letter to the Editor by D. Frank Robinson Ease ballot access The right to vote is undermined when too few candidates are on the ballot. House Bill 1429 would change election law so that 5,000 valid signatures would be required for a new party to gain ballot access in Oklahoma. This is similar to the requirements in other states. Current law can require 50,000 to 70,000 signatures, which amounts to a $100,000 fee for new parties. Current law is under challenge in state court, but it would be better if the Legislature fixed this problem. Opponents argue that easing ballot access requirements would "open the floodgates," allowing too many parties on the ballot. That argument contradicts Oklahoma's history. Before 1974, Oklahoma required just 5,000 signatures, the same as what's proposed in HB 1429. From statehood until 1974 there were never more than two parties (in addition to Democrats and Republicans) with ballot access in any election year. In fact, from 1946 to 1966 there were no additional political parties with ballot access in Oklahoma. The requirements were increased in 1974, just after the American Independent Party had gained ballot access in 1968, 1970 and 1972. Clearly, HB 1429 would not cause a flood of third parties. Current law denies choice to the voters. D. Frank Robinson, Bethany Robinson is chairman emeritus of the Oklahoma Libertarian Party.