Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform (OBAR) is working with Rep. Charles Key (R-Oklahoma City) to promote House Bill 1058, which would cut the signature requirement for new political parties in half. The bill calls for a 22,500 signature requirement, rather than the current requirement of 5% of votes cast in the last statewide election.
Prompted by the continued exclusion of minor party and independent candidates from debates nationwide, The Free and Equal Elections Foundation pushes ahead toward the primary objective of open and inclusive political debates for all candidates. In order to help voters and potential voters make their voices heard on this issue, Free and Equal has launched an online petition calling for open, all-inclusive debates. The Free and Equal Debate Tour kicks off Wednesday, October 20, 2010 with the Connecticut U.S. Senate Debate. The event will run from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. EDT and will be held in the Student Union Ballroom (Room 330) at the University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus. This debate is sponsored by the student organization Idealists United and Free and Equal.