Two New Political Parties Meet Signature Threshold to Make November Ballot
by Matt Johnson
(Picture credit Nebraska Secretary of State)
Nebraskans may see more names on their ballots this November. The Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office has confirmed that both the America First Party and the Nebraska Working People Party submitted enough valid signatures to advance in the process of becoming officially recognized political parties.
Each party was required to get around 6,700 valid signatures to make the ballot, and both submitted petitions to the Secretary of State’s Office last month.
Many observers see political gamesmanship in the formation of the two parties. The Plains Sentinel obtained audio of a petitioner for the America First Party in July who said the purpose of the party was “to aid the cause of Dan Osborn” and act as a counterweight to the Nebraska Working People Party.
Leaders from both the Republican and Democratic parties of Nebraska have spoken out about the formation of the two new parties.
Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb said, “Nebraska is fighting to end corrupt one-party Republican rule, and these sore losers would rather cash a billionaire’s check than put their egos aside and help protect democracy for all. They should frame that check right next to this project’s real name: the Working for Ricketts Party.”
NEGOP Chair Mary Jane Truemper said in a statement, “Nebraska Republicans are laser-focused on one thing: electing Republicans up and down the ballot this November. Gathering enough signatures to qualify is their right, and we respect that but it doesn’t change our mission.”
Next steps include submitting a party constitution, bylaws, and a list of officers. The deadline for both parties to file that paperwork is Aug. 27. If certified, the parties would then have until Sept. 1 to nominate candidates for the general election ballot.
The Plains Sentinel has contacted Robin Richards of the Nebraska Working People Party and John Cartier of the America First Party to learn of their next steps, but has not yet received a response.
— Matt Johnson is a freelance reporter with The Plains Sentinel.