Libertarians say they expect political party recognition

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma voters could see Libertarian Party candidates on their ballots this year for the first time since 2000.

Members of the Oklahoma Libertarian Party delivered more than 42,000 signatures on Monday to the state Election Board, significantly more than the 24,745 needed to become a recognized political party in Oklahoma.

"We did it," said Tina Kelly, the party's vice chair, standing next to four boxes filled with signatures. "Now we have to make it count."

Once the signatures are confirmed, Oklahoma voters will be able to register as members of the Libertarian Party and vote in primary elections if more than one candidate declares for an office.

Kelly said she's aware of about a dozen candidates who intend to register as Libertarians and run for office, including two possible candidates for Oklahoma's U.S. Senate seat. Dax Ewbank, who ran as a Republican against Gov. Mary Fallin in 2014, said he is considering a U.S. Senate run as a Libertarian.

Nicholas Sarwark, chairman of the Libertarian National Committee, described libertarianism as emphasizing personal freedoms, free markets and peace.

"Today, it's a new day in Oklahoma," Sarwark said. "Oklahomans will have other options."

Kelly praised the Legislature for passing a bill last year to reduce the number of signatures needed to become a political party, but she said Oklahoma law still makes it difficult to remain a party. The top Libertarian candidate on the November ballot will need to get at least 10 percent of the vote in order for Libertarians to remain a recognized party.

Kelly said she is working with the Legislature on a bill to reduce the percentage threshold to remain on the ballot from 10 percent to 2.5 percent. That measure unanimously passed a Senate committee last week and is next scheduled for a hearing in the full Senate.

By Sean Murphy. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 2/22/2016