The Libertarian Party of Ohio has filed to regain ballot access and that gives our candidates until July 18th to collect valid voter signatures to qualify for this upcoming November Election!
If you have not voted in a partisan primary in the last 2 years, qualifying you as an unaffiliated voter, you can sign Libertarian candidate petitions and get them on the ballot!
County party members and candidates will be at Pins Mechanical at Easton Town Center Thursday, July 11th at 6:30pm. Drop by, sign petitions and celebrate our return to the ballot!
We will have state-wide, county and state representative candidate petitions to sign. If you are not sure of your district, we can look it up!
Thursday, July 11th @ 6:30pm – 9pm
Pins Mechanical Co 4117 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
Columbus, Ohio, July 2nd — The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio proudly announces the submission of petitions to attain minor party status for the upcoming election cycle and beyond. This pivotal step demonstrates the party’s commitment to expanding voter choice and advocating for libertarian principles in Franklin County.
In accordance with state regulations, the Libertarian Party of Ohio has diligently collected and filed 88,000 petition signatures from registered voters across the state. These petitions are essential for the party’s bid to achieve official recognition as a minor party, enabling it to field candidates and participate fully in the electoral process.
“We are excited to have completed this crucial phase in our journey towards securing minor party status,” said Jonathan Cowan. “Submitting the minor party petitions represents a significant milestone for our party and reinforces our dedication to offering voters alternative political options that prioritize individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and limited government.”
Achieving minor party status will allow the Franklin County Libertarian Party to bring forth a diverse slate of candidates who embody libertarian values and address the concerns of local communities. The party remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance through its participation in the democratic process.
As the petitions undergo review by each county Board of Elections, the Franklin County Libertarian Party continues to engage with residents, raise awareness about its platform, and prepare for the upcoming election season. The party encourages residents to learn more about its candidates, initiatives, and commitment to advancing principles of liberty and personal responsibility.
For more information about the Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio and its efforts to secure minor party status, please visit fclpo.org.
Contact: Ken Holpp, Communications Director, info@fclpo.org
About the Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio: The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio is dedicated to promoting individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and limited government through its advocacy and electoral efforts. By seeking minor party status, the party aims to provide voters with additional choices and contribute to a more robust and diverse political landscape in Franklin County.
The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio will be conducting a County Party Election on Tuesday, May 21st from 7pm to 8pm.
The roles for County Party Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and 3 At-Large spots will be open for nominations and election.
649 High Street, unit C-2 Worthington (W New England Ave Entrance) See photo, entrance is in tunnel under the building on W New England Ave.
Regarding candidate qualifications and requirements.
Bylaw C – Internal officer and delegate qualifications
Section 1. No person may receive endorsement or vote on any motion, resolution, nomination, or internal election at any caucus, convention, meeting, or conference of the Party who does not affirm the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution, Bylaws, and Guiding Principles of the Libertarian Party of Ohio.
Section 2. No person may be eligible for elected office within the Party who is an active officer, candidate, or elected official of another political party within the 30 days prior to such an election.
Section 3. No person may be eligible for elected office within the Party who cannot affirm the following pledge “I hereby certify that I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals.”
Join Special Guest Cara Schulz, Mayor Cassaundra Fryman and Comedian Travis Irvine to discuss “participatory budgeting”, building community focused organizations and running for local office!
Lunch is on us! Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly!
Date: Sat 03/23/2024 12am to 4pm
Location: Blacklick Woods Golf Course
7309 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068
About Participatory Budgeting
Originally developed in Porto Alegre, Brazil, participatory budgeting is a mechanism to directly involve the community in the budgeting of their tax dollars, now found in many communities worldwide.
Currently adopted by the City of Burnsville, MN and under active exploration by the City of Minneapolis, MN, the concept provides residents and property owners a method to direct a portion of municipal budget.
“Under plan, Burnsville property owners would be able to choose where some tax dollars go…
From the Star Tribune “Under plan, Burnsville property owners would be able to choose where some tax dollars go
The city is working to implement “participatory budgeting,” which allows residents to vote on spending for some public projects.
From the City of Burnsville “Originally developed in Porto Alegre, Brazil, participatory budgeting is a mechanism to directly involve the community in the budgeting of their tax dollars, now found in many communities worldwide. City Council is currently exploring participatory budgeting and you are invited to be a part of the conversation.”https://www.burnsvillemn.gov/participatorybudgeting
From the City of Minneapolis “Participatory budgeting is a set of practices and methodologies to increase democracy in budgeting. Elements of participatory budgeting are currently used by thousands of local governments, public agencies, and other organizations around the world. Participatory budgeting has the potential to increase civic participation by marginalized residents and communities, build relationships, strengthen government credibility, and increase investment in innovative projects. There is an opportunity to integrate participatory budgeting practices into the Minneapolis budget process as the city shifts to a biannual budget and the Council reviews and revises the Budget Committee workplan.” https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/RCA/11780
Special Guest Speaker Cara Schulz will present on “participatory budgeting”, the concept of local government putting aside a portion of the municipal budget for residents to direct based on direct voting. Running for Local Office – Travis Irvine Building Community Focused Organizations – Mayor Cassaundra Fryman
About Cara Schulz – City Council Member, City of Burzville, MN. Cara is a dedicated liberty activist involved with a variety of causes in and around her city. Cara is an Air Force veteran who does a wonderful job covering a variety of policy topics [that] …we think are practical, effective messages for citizens of any city.
About Cassaundra Fryman – Mayor, Plymouth, Ohio. Cassaundra is focused on fostering stronger ties in both counties we call home, building a network that strengthens our community and becomes a pipeline for more resources and opportunities.
Election season is on us again and we have a problem: unopposed seats.
By last count, at least 12 seats were running unopposed.
Those being:
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas Franklin County Coroner Franklin County Recorder Franklin County Sheriff Franklin County Treasurer State Representative Ohio House District 01 State Representative Ohio House District 02 State Representative Ohio House District 03 State Representative Ohio House District 05 State Representative Ohio House District 07 State Representative Ohio House District 08 State Representative Ohio House District 09
This is intolerable. This is not democracy. Surely, we can do better.
During last year’s election, I was appalled at the number of unopposed seats on the ballot. I would love to see fewer.
Letting seats run unopposed is giving up. It’s saying we no longer care who makes the decisions that affect our lives.
Surely, there must be some among those reading this who are willing and able to run for public office and at least give the voters a choice.
Well, I am.
I just so happens that I live in District 8, and I don’t like unopposed races either so I’m tossing my hat into the ring. I’m entering the race for State House Representative for District 8.
Do you live in any of the other Districts? Will you consider running?
If you are interested, See the Run for Office section at the end of this newsletter.
Hope to see you on the ballot.
Ken Holpp,Secretary, Franklin County Libertarian Party and District 8 Ohio Statehouse Representative candidate.
Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.
Join Franklin County Libertarians for a “Candidate Quick Start Training”.
We have scheduled 2 candidate training sessions at the Whitehall branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. 4445 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213
Both sessions will cover the same “Candidate Quick Start Training”.
Candidate Training – FCLPO Franklin County Libertarians Tuesday, February 06, 2024: 6:00PM – 8:30PM Whitehall – Meeting Room 1
Candidate Training – FCLPO Franklin County Libertarians Thursday, February 15, 2024: 6:30PM – 8:30PM Whitehall – Meeting Room 2
Candidate Training Agenda
Opening and guest introductions
Candidate introductions • Name and office you want to run for • Why do you want to run for this office? • How do you see Libertarian philosophy being applied to your office?
Presentation: “Getting Started”
• What’s involved in being a candidate • Legal steps to get on the ballot detailed • Why legislative and statewide campaigns should be seen as two-year effort • Translating Libertarian principles into policy
Questions and answers
• What do you most need to know to get off to a good start?
Close
Handouts • Candidate Quick Start • Elections Calendar • Libertarian National Platform (condensed) • Resources for Libertarian Candidates
How much can you campaign and win? Even just filing and having a simple website can win an election!
The county party is in a position to support candidates county wide to collect signatures for ballot access, fundraise, coordinate community events and run campaigns. Even just a “basic” campaign that involves filing paperwork, simple website, answering surveys and directing volunteers to help other more engaged candidates would be worthwhile and provide those communities with choice on the ballot.
You can run a basic, engaged or all out campaign.We already have several candidates across Franklin County that are gearing up “all out” campaigns and we know the more people running with the same message the more attention we can get everyone.The following elected roles will be UNOPPOSED going into the November General Election! (without an independent opponent they have already won that election)Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas Franklin County Coroner Franklin County Recorder Franklin County Sheriff Franklin County Treasurer State Representative Ohio House District 01 State Representative Ohio House District 03 State Representative Ohio House District 07
The county party is in a position to support candidates county wide to collect signatures for ballot access, fundraise, coordinate community events and run campaigns. Even just a “basic” campaign that involves filing paperwork, simple website, answering surveys and directing volunteers to help other more engaged candidates would be worthwhile and provide those communities with choice on the ballot.
You can run a basic, engaged or all out campaign.
We already have several candidates across Franklin County that are gearing up “all out” campaigns and we know the more people running with the same message the more attention we can get everyone.
The following elected roles will be UNOPPOSED going into the November General Election! (without an independent opponent they have already won that election)
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas Franklin County Coroner Franklin County Sheriff Franklin County Treasurer State Representative Ohio House District 01 State Representative Ohio House District 05 State Representative Ohio House District 07
The filing date for Libertarian candidates is July 18th.
SEVEN district races for Ohio Assembly are UNOPPOSED for the general election in November 2024.
Get started today!
Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.
Please complete this form, and our Political Director will be in contact with you.
The following elected roles will be UNOPPOSED going into the March Primary AND the November General Election! (without an independent opponent they have already won that election)
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
Franklin County Coroner
Franklin County Recorder
Franklin County Sheriff
Franklin County Treasurer
State Representative Ohio House District 02
State Representative Ohio House District 07
State Representative Ohio House District 08
State Representative Ohio House District 09
The filing date for Independent candidates in March 18, 2024.
Franklin County Libertarians will support candidates in collecting signatures and raising money.
Get started today!
Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.
Please complete this form, and our Political Director will be in contact with you.
From VoteChaseOliver.com About Chase Oliver is a 37-year-old Libertarian activist living in Atlanta. Dubbed “…the most influential Libertarian in America…” by Rolling Stone, Oliver is a champion of the rights of the individual against the growing power of the state. He began his political activism opposing the War in Iraq under George Bush, aligning with the Libertarian Party after an encounter at the Atlanta Pride Festival in 2010.
In 2020 he ran for Congress in Georgia’s 5th district to complete the term of the late civil rights icon John Lewis. In 2022, he ran for US Senate, debating incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker’s empty podium. Oliver was widely credited with causing the runoff election between Warnock and Walker. He advocates the adoption of Ranked Choice Voting to avoid future runoffs.
Franklin County 
