Independent: FAQs
So far we've fielded quite a few questions from folks that were confused on what to do now that Ammon has decided to run independent. Here are the most frequent questions and their answers.
Independent Candidates
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I'm a Republican. Can I still vote for Ammon, even though he's now running as an independent?
Absolutely! Ammon's name will be on the ballot, as an independent candidate, in the General election held in November. You can vote for whomever you wish to in the General election.
Q. I switched my party affiliation to Republican so I could vote for Ammon in the Primary elections. Do I now just ask for an "Independent Ballot" at the polls?
In Idaho, there is no "Independent Party". The Primary elections, held in May, are for the members of each political party in Idaho (Republican, Democrat, Constitution, and Libertarian) to determine - by vote - which candidate they will send on to the General election in November. Since Ammon is running as an independent (small "I"), he is running without the support or endorsement of any particular party or it's leadership (something he never had or expected anyway ;-). As a result, his name will not be on the ballot in the May Primary elections. Because the Republican Primary is a "closed" election, each elector that wishes to vote for a Republican must have already declared that they affiliate with the Republican Party. However, in the General election in November, any member (or not) of any party can vote for any candidate they wish. This is where you can (still) vote for Ammon - when it matters most!
Q. Do I need to change my Political Party affiliation to "Unaffiliated" in order to vote for Ammon?
A. No, you do not. At the General election in November, any person affiliated (or not) with any party can vote for any candidate on the ballot they wish. You do not need to make any changes in order to help Keep Idaho IDAHO.
Q. Won't Ammon just split the conservative vote in the General election by running as an independent?
First, candidates don't split a vote - voters that are not united do.
Second, if the correct definition of "conservative" is understood... no. If Brad Little is the Republican nominee, then the choice will be easy. You can vote for Ammon, or one of the other two Democrats on the ballot. ;-)
Q. Why do you have to collect signatures from over 1,000 registered voters in order to be an Independent? Does every candidate have to do the same?
Current Idaho statutes (law) requires that every candidate running for a state-wide office (such as Governor) is required to collect and present at least 1,000 verifiable signatures from currently registered voters. However, if the candidate is running under a state-recognized party (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Constitution) the candidate is allowed to bypass this requirement by simply giving money to the state. Surprised? Neither are we, as the latter simply increases the coffers of the state government, and re-enforces a party-based system, while making it more difficult for the competition.
Q. If I sign a petition to allow Ammon's name on the General election ballot in November, do I have to vote for him?
First, thank you for considering that there is a viable alternative to state-based coercion, and a better way to Keep Idaho IDAHO! :-D
Second, no - signing a petition form does not commit you to voting for any specific person in an election. It simply serves to give your fellow neighbors and voters a better choice.
Q. I'm worried that if I sign a petition in favor of Ammon being on the General election ballot that I'll be targeted later by the government, or in some way receive retribution for doing so.
While this sentiment serves as further evidence that Idaho has a big problem, you can be assured at least of a couple things:
1) Our campaign will never release the names of anyone that signs these petitions.
2) Even though the information collected is ultimately provided to the Secretary of State and various County Clerks, the list of signers is not released for public view (it's not something required by law or even typically done).
But, we get your concern. As it's commonly said, "When government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny." And, that's exactly why Ammon is running - to get the state government back to doing what it should be doing: defending the people and their rights.
These questions and answers will be added to and amended as time goes on.