The losers are the American people. Scholars show that a great many of the key ideas that shaped our democracy have come from third parties, including the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and child labor laws. New parties may not always win, but their ideas change history by taking part in the public debate. Without them, the flow of new ideas is dammed, and democracy stagnates. Although this may shock most Americans, ours is the least democratic of all democracies when it comes to ballot access.
Every state has different laws.
Although this may shock most Americans, ours is the least democratic of all democracies when it comes to ballot access. Independents and third parties are hard-pressed looking for justice. The Federal Election Commission and the courts are comprised of Democrats and Republicans, appointed by Democrats and Republicans. Third party and independent candidates are denied equal access to debates, the media and federal campaign funds, as well. The result is that more than half of Americans are being cheated of their freedom to choose candidates who reflect their views.