ABOUT US
Every year, thousands of good candidates try to run for office.
Veterans, teachers, nurses, small business owners, moms, and dads. People who want to represent their communities, solve problems, and give voters another choice.
But getting on the ballot isn't always easy.
Across the country, ballot access laws create different paths for major-party, independent, and third-party candidates. Depending on the state, candidates may face expensive filing fees, thousands of petition signatures, strict deadlines, and legal challenges before voters ever see their names on the ballot.
For independent and third-party candidates, qualifying for the ballot can require significant time and campaign resources.
The rules shape our choices.
Ballots Without Barriers is exposing the real stories of candidates fighting to get on the ballot and working state by state to change restrictive election laws. We're shining a spotlight on the barriers that keep qualified candidates off the ballot, holding lawmakers accountable, and pushing for legislation that gives voters more choices.
REAL CANDIDATE STORIES
WORST THREE STATES
1. CALIFORNIA
2. WASHINGTON
3. GEORGIA
STATES WITH "TOP 2"
CALIFORNIA
WASHINGTON
BEST THREE STATES
1. VERMONT
2. HAWAII
3. UTAH
YOUR STATE'S BALLOT TAX
What does it cost to get on the ballot in your state?
Use our ballot tax calculator to find out.
*Voting Rights Foundation study of barriers to the ballot for independent congressional candidates.
How can you help make a difference?
USE THIS TOOL CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE BELOW.
Take the next 5 seconds to tell your representative you want more competition, better candidates, and a Congress that represents everyone. Put a physical postcard on your representative's desk and send an email to their inbox in the tool below. Sample language and script included.
