Three Libertarian candidates in Iowa have been removed from the ballot following challenges by Republican-aligned groups, raising concerns about voter choice and procedural adherence in the state's electoral process.
The candidates were eliminated from the ballot due to what were deemed procedural errors, despite their plans to continue running as write-in hopefuls, as the Washington Examiner reports.
The State Objection Panel, which includes one Democrat and two Republicans, made the decision on Wednesday, voting 2-1 to remove the candidates from the ballot. The challenges were brought by Republican voters, including local party chairs, political candidates, and activists, who questioned the legality of the Libertarian Party's candidate nominations.
The three candidates affected by the decision are Nicholas Gluba, who was running in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District; Marco Battaglia, who was campaigning in the 3rd District; and Charles Aldrich, a candidate in the 4th District. These candidates were expected to be on the ballot for the upcoming elections, but now face a significant hurdle due to the panel’s ruling.
The Libertarian Party of Iowa has been grappling with its newfound status as a major party, achieved in 2022. With this status come increased procedural obligations under Iowa law, including specific requirements for precinct caucuses and county conventions. However, the party did not meet all these requirements, failing to notify county auditors of precinct caucus results and holding county conventions on the same night as precinct caucuses, which the panel found to be in violation of the law.
Despite these shortcomings, Libertarian Party of Iowa Chairman Jules Cutler argued that the party was "substantially compliant" with the law, acknowledging that while mistakes were made, they did not merit the harsh response of removing the candidates from the ballot.
The Libertarian Party has decided to appeal the panel’s decision, asserting that the ruling was not only legally unjust but also politically motivated. Jules Cutler, speaking on behalf of the party, suggested that the challenge was an attempt to "silence" the Libertarian voice in the state. He expressed frustration over the situation, calling it an attempt to control voter choices.
Rob Sand, the lone Democrat on the panel, also voiced his concerns, labeling the decision as part of a larger "wrong-headed plot" by what he referred to as Iowa’s "uniparty" to limit voter options. His dissenting vote highlights the partisan tension surrounding the decision and reflects broader concerns about the fairness of the electoral process in Iowa.
While the Libertarian candidates have been removed from the ballot, they are not bowing out of the race. Instead, they plan to continue their campaigns as write-in candidates, a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of the upcoming congressional elections.
The 3rd Congressional District race is especially noteworthy, as it has been a hotly contested seat in recent elections. Incumbent Republican Rep. Zach Nunn narrowly won the seat in 2022, and he is now facing a strong challenge from Democrat Lanon Baccam. The removal of Marco Battaglia from the ballot could influence the outcome of this closely watched race, particularly if Battaglia's write-in campaign gains traction among disaffected voters.
Battaglia himself has taken an optimistic view of the situation, suggesting that being removed from the Libertarian Party’s platform might actually strengthen his candidacy. He has expressed confidence in his ability to represent the people of District 3 effectively as an independent candidate, unencumbered by party affiliations.
As the appeal process moves forward, both the Libertarian Party and its candidates will be closely monitoring the situation. The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for the party’s future in Iowa, especially given its relatively recent rise to major-party status.
Regardless of the appeal’s outcome, the Libertarian candidates’ decision to pursue write-in campaigns ensures that they will remain active participants in the upcoming election. Their perseverance in the face of legal and political challenges underscores their commitment to providing an alternative voice in Iowa’s political landscape.
