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Fed up with America's two-party system? You're not alone. There are currently more than 54 political parties in the United States. To form a new one, you need to start at the state level. FirstGov.gov, explains that "nearly all practical matters related to American elections are handled on the State level, including the formation of parties." We headed over to
California's Department of Elections to see how it's done in your home state. Apparently the process of qualifying as a recognized third party is designed to test your resolve as well as gauge the public's interest in your platform. To qualify a new party by registration requires that one percent of last election's voters complete an "affidavit of registration, on which they have written in the proposed party name as the party they affiliate with." To qualify a new political party by petition requires that 10 percent of last election's voters "sign a petition seeking the inclusion of the proposed party in the party nominating process." If you're serious about forming
a new political party, you should check out your home state's Election Commission for further details. Those in the "mainstream" may roll their eyes, but third parties are responsible for some of the United States' greatest achievements. Heck, at one point, even the GOP was considered a third party...
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