Independent Bids for President (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Jan. 6, 2016 |
| Report Number |
LS_2016-01-06_01 |
| Report Type |
Legal Sidebar |
| Authors |
Kerr, Paul K. |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Speculation has arisen that various contenders for each of the major parties' nomination for president might consider running as independent or third party candidates. There have, of course, been numerous instances of independent candidates running for, and having their electors appear on state ballots for, the office of President. However, if a candidate pursues an independent run for the presidency after participating in the nomination process of a major political party--including competing in state primaries and caucuses for delegates to the party's national nominating convention--a candidate could face several legal and practical obstacles. These obstacles, involving 'ballot access' requirements in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, could include: 1. 'Sore loser' laws; 2. 'Disaffiliation' requirements; and 3. Nominating petition deadlines.
