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# WATCH: How Third Parties and Independents Get Ballot Access
- URL: https://ivn.us/watch-third-parties-independents-get-ballot-access/
- Published: 2016-10-17T20:32:48.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-22T19:55:17.000Z
- Author: Jake Simms
- Tags: News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65AZr335FWc

We over at [Third Candidates](http://youtube.com/thirdcandidates?ref=ivn.us) took time this summer and fall to learn more about the process independent and third party candidates go through in order to be granted ballot access.

Like a lot of things in our system, ballot access is badly in need of simplification so political competition can be a little more free flowing. Just like getting on a debate stage, being on the ballot brings an air of viability to a candidate. Keeping that at arms length is an effective way to stifle competition.

If an individual can't easily get ballot access, or a party can't provide it, ambitious, up-and-coming politicians are more likely to join the D or R parties.Anyway, this one was a blast to produce. We visited Virginia, New Hampshire, Maine, and the Hudson valley area of New York. John learned to drive a tractor. I learned new tricks on how to eat lobster.

Our next episode will look into a reform that many readers of this site are probably aware of: Ranked Choice Voting.

*Photo Credit: Shawn M. Griffiths / IVN.us*