Ordinance: Freedom of Association in Local Elections

Summary

In many states, local governments decide whether local candidates for elected office can be nominated by political party nominating method or not. The purpose of this ordinance is to ensure individuals running for local office can be nominated by a political party or choose not to associate with a political party.

Ordinance: Freedom of Association in Local Elections

[Insert Ordinance #]

Whereas, Individuals running for political office are currently restricted from being nominated by a political party and

Whereas, Individuals running for local office should be free to be nominated by a political party or choose not to associate with a political party, and

Whereas, Individuals who win a political party’s nomination or do not choose to be nominated by a political party should be protected by freedom of association as implied in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF [INSERT JURISDICTION]:.

Section 1 – That [Insert Ordinance #], establishing local elections is hereby amended

Section 2- [Insert Ordinance] is amended to read: All ballots used in [Insert local elected positions] elections held under authority of [insert jurisdiction] shall be published with the candidates name and proper party affiliation, according to the normal nominating process of a political party or the candidate may choose no party affiliation.

This Ordinance is adopted pursuant to [Insert State] State Constitution, [Insert Section and Article] in that it was published ——— said Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon signature, recordation and publication in summary form pursuant to [Insert State] State Constitution, [Insert Section and Article].