Ralph Nader Ballot Access Case

The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Tallahassee on whether independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader’s name would be included on the Florida presidential ballot this year. The Florida Democratic Party sued to keep Mr. Nader’s name off of the ballot, claiming the Florida Reform Party was not a legitimate political party in the state because of the low numbers of supporters and funds. Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood had ordered that Mr. Nader’s name appear on the ballot. A lower Florida court subsequently ruled that his name be removed. The state Supreme Court heard arguments in an expedited manner because absentee ballots for Florida voters overseas were to be mailed out on Saturday, September 18, 2004. Later that afternoon the court ruled that Ralph Nader’s name would appear on the ballots. close