Election Unspun is reporting that the Socialist Party USA is facing incredible difficulties in getting its presidential candidate (Brian Moore) on the ballot in Michigan and the United States. Because of structural impediments in the electoral system, third party candidates do not receive automatic ballot access in all states like the Democratic and Republican parties due. Election Unspun reports that the majority of the campaign resources (both volunteer and monetary) expended by the Socialist Party USA will go towards getting enough signatures to qualify for ballot access. In states such as Michigan, this requires tens of thousands of signatures.

Moreover, third parties--some of whom already have met ballot access requirements--occasionally allow candidates from other parties to run under their party name. However, this occasionally sets up a situation where third party candidates compete against each other. As an example, the Socialist Party USA is campaigning against independent candidate Ralph Nader for a place on the ballot under the Natural Law Party's name.

These structural impediments prevent candidates with innovative platforms from seriously competing in presidential races. While major party candidates receive free airtime and ballot access, third party candidates--many of whom offer true alternatives--are left scrambling for ballot access rather than campaigning on their platform.