Nader’s Effort to Get on Ballots Falls Short in Four More States
WASHINGTON — Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader suffered setbacks this week as election officials in Virginia, Maryland, Illinois and Missouri denied him access to state ballots this fall.
In each case, officials said Nader campaign workers either did not submit enough valid signatures on ballot petitions or failed to follow proper procedures.
On Friday, Virginia’s election board secretary, Jean Jensen, said Nader workers failed to meet state requirements that the signatures be grouped according to congressional district, and then by localities within each of the 11 districts.
The decision was a victory for John F. Kerry’s campaign and for Virginia Democrats who think even modest support for Nader could reduce the party’s chance of winning a presidential race in the state for the first time in 40 years.
Also Friday, Nader’s supporters fell 500 signatures short of getting him on Maryland’s ballot.
Nader was denied access to Missouri’s ballot Wednesday and to Illinois’ ballot Thursday.
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