The Green Party of Pennsylvania applauds Friday's Federal Court ruling which has declared Pennsylvania's restrictive ballot access procedures as unconstitutional. The July 24, Order by US District Judge, Lawrence Stengel takes aim at the restrictive, two-tiered scheme of forcing a disproportionate number of voter signatures, compared to the requirement for major parties; and the threat or imposition of litigation costs and fees on candidates whose nominating petitions are challenged successfully. In cases where independent candidates prevail in a petition challenge, the legal costs can be as high as $50,000.00, Judge Stengel properly notes.

"The restrictions placed on third party candidates is equivalent to a modern day poll tax. Judge Stengel's decision has made it clear that limiting access to the ballot is an unacceptable infringement on the citizen's rights to self-determination and their ability to elect candidates that truly represent the citizen's views and desire for change," said Hillary Kane, Secretary, Green Party of Pennsylvania.