For the first time since 1956 (Eisenhower versus Stevenson), and the second time since 1872 (Grant versus Greeley), New Yorkers will only have two choices on the ballot for President. New York’s increase ballot access thresholds in 2020 and overall restrictive laws have been making it more difficult for third party candidates to get on the ballot.
However, the Libertarian Party’s National candidates, Chase Oliver for President and Mike ter Maat for Vice President, have been registered as write-in candidates in New York State. So while the names of the Libertarian Party candidates will not appear on the ballot, voters in New York wishing to vote for Chase Oliver/Mike ter Maat can do so, and it will be counted.
Several people have asked how the write-in process works. There is a “write-in” spot on the ballot. Depending on where you are in New York, the “write-in” box is either the bottom of the column or on the right side of the row corresponding to the office. Note that if there is a fill-in bubble in the write-in box, it will need to be filled in order for the vote to count. See the graphic below.
Will these write in votes count toward the necessary votes needed for the Libertarian Party of New York to gain official party status/ballot access in New York based on the presidential election and gubernatorial vote requirements? Or has that ship sailed because the Libertarian candidates aren’t on the ballot under a party affiliation?
Yes, if we get enough votes.