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Too-Early Ballot-Access Requirement for New Political Parties

Robert Timothy Reagan, Margaret S. Williams, Marie Leary, Catherine R. Borden, Jessica L. Snowden, Patricia D. Breen, Jason A. Cantone
April 3, 2023

California Justice Committee v. Bowen (Percy Anderson, C.D. Cal. 2:12-cv-3956)
A month before a primary election, and six months before the general election, minor parties filed a federal complaint challenging the state’s ballot-access law for new political parties. The district judge issued a preliminary injunction without argument two weeks later. The state had not justified requiring ballot-petition signatures for the general election to be submitted 135 days before the primary election. Following a later bench trial, the judge issued a permanent injunction.
Subject: Getting on the ballot. Topic: Getting on the ballot.

One of many Case Studies in Emergency Election Litigation.