Opinion ID: 2303223
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Right of Access to the Ballot

Text: [¶ 26] Restrictions on access to the ballot burden two distinct and fundamental rights, the right of individuals to associate for the advancement of political beliefs [under the First Amendment], and the right of qualified voters, regardless of their political persuasion, to cast their votes effectively. Illinois State Bd. of Elections v. Socialist Workers Party, 440 U.S. 173, 184, 99 S.Ct. 983, 59 L.Ed.2d 230 (1979); see Munro v. Socialist Workers Party, 479 U.S. 189, 193, 107 S.Ct. 533, 93 L.Ed.2d 499 (1986). These fundamental rights are implicated most clearly where minor-party access to the ballot is restricted. Munro, 479 U.S. at 200, 107 S.Ct. 533 (Marshall, J., dissenting). [11] [¶ 27] Nader's complaint alleges that the restriction on his access to the ballot was the result of improper action by private parties rather than by state action, although those private parties did avail themselves of state action and court access in order to, allegedly, challenge and obstruct Nader's access to ballots. Regardless, Nader's right of access to the ballot is implicated in, and forms an essential basis for, his complaint.