Libertarian Party of Iowa Files For Major Party Status

Political Party Status for Iowa Libertarians

DES MOINES, IA – Today was an important day for Iowa Libertarians as the Libertarian Party of Iowa applied for political party status. Prior to the 2016 election, the Libertarian Party in Iowa was considered a non-party political organization (NPPO) and did not have some of the privileges granted to the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, two parties with political party status.

The Libertarian Party earned political party status by having their presidential candidate, Gary Johnson, receive more than 2% of the vote in Iowa during the 2016 General Election. NPPO’s must have their presidential or gubernatorial candidate receive more than 2% of the vote to be recognized as a full-status political party. Johnson received 3.8% of the vote in Iowa, slightly more than the 3.3% he received nationally.

Political party status is a legal definition established by Iowa Code which allows the party certain privileges including the ability to participate in the Primary Election. With party status, Iowan Libertarians will be able to vote for Libertarian candidates in the 2018 primaries.

Libertarian Party state chair, Keith Laube, stated, “Having our candidates be part of the Primary Election will allow voters to become familiar with our candidates earlier in the election season. Our candidates will know they are on the November ballot in early June rather than late August. This will help organize stronger campaigns and provide voters more opportunity to understand Libertarian views.” Laube added, “Having more candidates share their ideas by being involved in the entire election cycle is good for Iowa.”

Iowa voters could start registering as a Libertarian in 2008 and today the number of registered Libertarians in Iowa is nearly 10,000. Since January 2016, voters are able to register to vote and change their political party affiliation on the Iowa Secretary of State website.  Major party status will become effective 21 days from the filing.