May 30, 2014
We Need YOUR Help!
Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Chris Holbrook was unlawfully arrested by Minneapolis Park Police at Lake Calhoun for exercising his first amendment rights by gathering signatures in order to gain ballot access. Unlike candidates of the two major parties, Libertarian candidates are required to gather 2,000 signatures within a two-week period just to be listed on the statewide ballot. With five candidates running, that’s 10,000 signatures by June 3rd!
Unlawful arrest of Chris Holbrook
On Thursday May 29th, Holbrook and four volunteers were seeking signatures at Lake Calhoun when police approached Holbrook and arrested him for ‘advertising without a license’. Such an incident is considered an administrative offense, which are barred from arrest in the City of Minneapolis. Furthermore, political petitioning is not considered advertising and is a protected activity under Minneapolis ordinances. Although peaceful and nonresisting, Holbrook sustained injures to his wrist and shoulder during the arrest, which will require physical theraby. The incident also shut down petitioning efforts by the four volunteers. With some volunteers averaging 50 signatures per hour per person, it resulted in a loss of approximately 600 signatures with only five days left in the petitioning window.
“This is exactly why I’m running for Governor as a Libertarian. Police shouldn’t be harassing citizens while they’re engaged in protected political activity,” said Chris Holbrook. Video of the arrest, which shows Holbrook in pain during the arrest, is available on the LPMN YouTube channel and Facebook page.
“Minor parties already have such a disadvantage in Minnesota just getting on the ballot. When you have the police arresting you while you are legally gathering signatures for ballot access, that makes it almost impossible,” said Cara Schulz, LPMN Executive Board member.
WE NEED YOU TO HELP US MAKE UP THE GROUND LOST IN PETITIONING!
Petitioning is easy and fun, and you don’t have to do it alone. Just contact Andy Burns or look on our Facebook page and we’ll let you know where and when to meet. You’ll be given a clipboard, sheets, and will e shown how to petition. Most people are happy to sign. Even if you can only petition for an hour, you’ll be making a huge difference.
Don’t let the Two Party System shut us down!
Contact: Andy Burns
andy.burns@lpmn.org
Concerned about the expansion of government control and the erosion of individual liberty? Please consider joining and becoming active with the Libertarian Party of Minnesota. Libertarians support liberty on all issues, all the time. Libertarianism is a philosophical and political movement to promote personal freedom, strong civil liberties, a genuinely free marketplace, and peace.