By The Associated Press | October 21, 2009 (Original Context)
RALEIGH, N.C. — The state Court of Appeals yesterday upheld a state law that forces third political parties to collect tens of thousands of signatures to get on North Carolina’s ballot. But the court’s split decision means the case will likely be heard again.
Two of the three judges who heard the case filed by the Libertarian and Green parties and their candidates supported the law. But a third judge said North Carolina’s rules are unconstitutional and place the groups under overly burdensome restrictions.
The law also says a party must start the petition process over in the next election cycle if neither its candidate for governor nor president receives 2% of the vote in the most recent campaign.
