June 17, 2014
We live in a constitutional republic where all voices are heard and we get to participate in free and open elections, right? Well, not exactly. As you saw a few weeks ago, we had the obstacle of petitioning to simply get our names placed on the ballot. And we did it! For the first time since 1998, the Libertarian Party of Minnesota is fielding a full slate of statewide candidates. It was no small task.
Independent, Kevin O’Connor, at Libertarian sign wave
So coming on the heels of endorsing conventions and the closing of the candidate filing period, here’s the latest poll out from KSTP/SurveyUSA.This is one way alternative political parties are kept out of the public eye – the media doesn’t include them in polling questions. Voters often wonder why they haven’t heard about alternative parties by the time the election rolls around. It simply reinforces the perception that voters’ choices are limited and that there are aren’t other options.
Politics is, we mean should be, a “marketplace of ideas,” and in a day and age with immeasurable choices in so many aspects of your life, there is still one “market” where competition is artificially stifled. With the perceived need for a 3rd party at an all-time high, it is no secret why many citizens stay home and are demoralized with the idea of even participating in politics. People have seen the pendulum swing back and forth one too many times. As Libertarians, we know that competition is always a good thing. Who can argue against having more choices?
Libertarians not only attract former Democrats and Republicans and current Independents, but a large swell of non-voters as well. If we want to increase voter participation, then we’d be smart to open up the “marketplace of ideas” to better match voters preferences. In a recent story by Valley News Live, millennials are increasingly more likely to break free of the two-party system and search for alternatives. And for some, they are turning Libertarian. (video).
We do note that KSTP did choose to include the Independence Party in this poll; and we are happy to see the inclusion of them. However, while still a major party by state statute, by any other measure, the Libertarian Party is larger, more vibrant and growing fast! Not only did our state convention have TRIPLE the attendance of the IP’s state convention this year; we raised 2.5x more money in 2013, have more Facebook followers and more activism and volunteers. Their decline in stature was recently outlined here. It is only fair to include LP candidates of a growing party who have rightly earned a spot on the ballot. The voters deserve to see that there are other options available before they get to the ballot box in November.
Please let KSTP know that Libertarians deserve to be represented in the polls!
ACTION: Here’s what you can do to help. Call and email KSTP (Tom Hauser, Chief Political Reporter) right now and let them know you’d like to see a full representation of the political spectrum, including our statewide Libertarian Party candidates in their polls. Let them know that YOU want to see free, open and inclusive coverage of our elections here in Minnesota.
Phone: 651-642-4455
Email: thauser@kstp.com