Evan McMullin's Ballot Access Across the United States

Evan McMullin, a name that gained national attention in the 2020 United States presidential election, had significant support across certain states. According to a September 29, 2016, list on his campaign website, McMullin's name appeared on primary ballots in 11 states and he could be written in by voters in 23 additional states. This article explores in detail the varying degrees of ballot access that McMullin achieved in these locations.

In Which States Can Evan McMullin Be on the Ballot?

McMullin's presence on the primary ballots of 11 states represents a significant reach in the electoral process. Here are those states:

Alabama - Ballot Alaska - Write-in Arizona - Write-in Arkansas - Ballot Colorado - Ballot Delaware - Write-in Georgia - Write-in Idaho - Ballot Illinois - Write-in Iowa - Ballot Kentucky - Ballot

In addition to the 11 states that had primary ballots, McMullin's name was also eligible to be written in by voters in 23 other states. Here is the complete list of these states:

Alberta - Illinois - Write-in Georgia - Write-in Idaho - Ballot Illinois - Write-in Iowa - Ballot Kentucky - Ballot Louisiana - Ballot Maine - Write-in Maryland - Write-in Massachusetts - Write-in Michigan - Write-in Minnesota - Ballot Montana - Write-in Nebraska - Write-in New Hampshire - Write-in New Jersey - Write-in New Mexico - Ballot Oregon - Write-in Ohio - Write-in Pennsylvania - Write-in Rhode Island - Write-in South Carolina - Ballot Tennessee - Write-in Texas - Write-in Utah - Ballot Vermont - Write-in Virginia - Ballot West Virginia - Write-in Wisconsin - Write-in

Implications and Importance of Ballot Access

The ability of a candidate to be on the ballot or to be considered for write-in votes is critical in any election. Ballot access signifies the official recognition of a candidate by the state's political machinery and the legitimacy of their campaign. For third-party or independent candidates like Evan McMullin, achieving ballot access in multiple states is a significant step towards gaining public attention and support.

Strategies for Achieving Ballot Access

Candidates aspiring to be on the ballot in multiple states face complex challenges. These challenges include meeting state-specific eligibility requirements, filing paperwork in a timely manner, and gathering petition signatures. Here are some key strategies used by candidates:

Dedicated Ballot Access Teams: Large campaigns often have dedicated teams focused solely on ensuring ballot access in every state. State-Specific Planning: Understanding the unique requirements of each state is crucial. This includes petitions, deadlines, and state laws. Public Support: Gaining support from voters and influencers can help both meet signature requirements and garner media attention. Legislative Lobbying: Engaging with state legislators and lobbying for changes in ballot access laws can sometimes make a difference.

Conclusion

Evan McMullin's ability to secure ballot access and write-in options in various states demonstrated his candidacy's reach and appeal. This access helped to draw voter attention and support, contributing to his standing in the 2020 election. Understanding the nuances of ballot access and the strategies employed by candidates can provide valuable insights into the electoral process in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

The number of states where a candidate is on the ballot can significantly influence their ability to gain public support. Write-in voting options further expand a candidate's reach and potential voter base. Ballot access strategies are critical for independent and third-party candidates.

Keywords: Evan McMullin, ballot access, write-in voting