-- Return to Press Page Tulsa World, February 20, 2005 Letter to the Editor by Mike Clem HB 1429 would change the election laws so that it would only require 5,000 valid signatures for a new party to become recognized by the state and gain ballot access. While this would not create what I consider a "level playing field" for political parties in Oklahoma, it would be much more fair and reasonable than the current ballot access laws. The main argument against easing ballot access requirements seems to be the concern about "opening the floodgates" and having too many parties on the ballot. Before 1974, Oklahoma required just 5,000 signatures, same as what is being proposed. From statehood till 1974, when the requirements were dramatically increased, there were never more than two additional parties (other than the Democrats and Republicans) with ballot access in any election year. In fact, from 1946 to 1966 there were NO other political parties with ballot access in Oklahoma. The requirements were increased in 1974, just after the American Independent party had been the only other party with ballot access in 1968, 1970, and 1972. Clearly, there is no reason to think that passage of HB 1429 would cause a flood of third parties. The current laws are excessively restrictive and deny choice to the voters. What good is the right to vote when there are so few candidates to choose from?