Ballot Access

Perhaps the biggest problem that plagues third parties is ballot access. In order to be put on the ballot in each state, they must meet certain requirements.

One of the frustrations with ballot access laws is that each state is different. Just because a party is on the ballot in New Mexico, for instance, doesn't mean they will make the cut in Montana.

There are organizations that have been established to advocate for better ballot laws.  One organization is the Coalition for Free and Open Elections. The Constitution, Green and Libertarian parties are all part of it. The organization uses its power to support legislation that would lessen ballot restrictions. Their first principle is "Full and fair access to the electoral process is a right central to democracy."

Another organization is the Center for Range Voting.  Range voting is a complex system (helpful Q & A here for those interested: http://www.rangevoting.org/Faq.html) that I rather not get into right now, but the Center does a lot with ballot access too.

There are some states that have ridiculous laws like Georgia, which requires independent candidates to get 5 percent of registered voters signatures for their petitions.

In order for third parties to be given the chance to thrive, ballot access laws need to become uniform for each state.  This will give voters who wish to vote for third party candidates the opportunity to vote for them.