Author: Gary O. Bartlett, Executive Director
Americans Elect was recognized as a political party earlier this year, and will technically continue to be a recognized party through the 2012 general election. However, if any party fails to obtain at least 2% of the total votes cast for their nominee for the office of President or Governor this November, they will have their party status terminated. See G.S. §§ 163‐96(a)(1) or ‐97.
The only way a new party may nominate candidates is by party convention.
For the first general election following the date on which it qualifies under G.S. 163‑96, a new political party shall select its candidates by party convention. Following adjournment of the nominating convention, but not later than the first day of July prior to the general election, the president of the convention shall certify to the State Board of Elections the names of persons chosen in the convention as the new party's candidates in the ensuing general election.
G.S. § 163‐98 (emphasis added).
It is our understanding that Americans Elect did not have a national convention and its current by‐laws do not allow for state conventions, nor the nominations of candidates other than President. Further, Americans Elect did not certify to the State Board of Elections the names of persons as the party's candidates for the upcoming general election. After July 17, 2012, when counties begin processing new applications and party affiliation changes, voter registration applicants who select Americans Elect as their party affiliation should be registered unaffiliated.
Citizens are free to contact Americans Elect to address any concerns over the lack of conventions and candidate nominations for the 2012 general election.
↓ Handling Applications with Americans Elect as the Party Choice: Numbered Memo 2012-18 (PDF)