Why don’t we have better politicians?
Yes, politicians suck. But we can’t have better ones - because they can’t run.
In the United States, if you see something wrong, you can step up to change it. Right?
Not in politics.
Ballot Taxes
Let’s start with the first one. In 33 of 50 states, you have to pay $10,000-$100,000 just to put your name on the ballot.
Most states charge filing fees, require petition signatures, and other sworn documents that can cost over $150,000 just to get on voter ballots.
Example: Running for Congress as an independent in Georgia requires 27,992 signatures, which will cost over $350,000 just to get listed on the ballot.
Top 2 Limits
Elections are designed to shut anyone who makes it on the ballot out of the actual election.
Rules on districts, election transparency, and primaries ensure that maverick candidates can’t make it to your November vote even if they make it on your ballot.
Example: Top Two in California ensures that no matter which candidates qualify for the ballot after paying thousands in ballot taxes, only the top two candidates are voted in in November.
Independent & Third Party Restrictions
In many states, it is way easier to run as a Republican or Democrat than as a third party or independent.
Restrictions on third party and independent candidates ensure third parties and independents face high, sometimes impossible, barriers to run for office.
Example: While Alabama Democrats or Republicans must gather no signatures each year to remain on the ballot, third parties have to gather over 44,000 each year - at a potential cost of over $500,000.
What would it cost just to get on the ballot in your state? Use our ballot tax calculator to find out.
Estimate Your Ballot Tax
*Voting Rights Foundation study of barriers to the ballot for independent candidates.