Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Associated Press
St. Paul, Minn.

Independence Party demoted to minor-party status

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The Independence Party is less mighty in the eyes of the state of Minnesota.

The secretary of state's office formally informed the party's leader in a letter Tuesday that it has been downgraded from major- to minor-party status. That means its candidates must clear extra hurdles to get on ballots and won't have access to as much public campaign financing as before.

The political home of then-Gov. Jesse Ventura was demoted after none of its statewide candidates received at least 5 percent of the vote. It was the second consecutive election with that result.

Going forward, Independence Party candidates must submit nominating signatures from voters to qualify for the ballot.

Other minor parties are: the Green Party, the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party, the Legal Marijuana Now Party and the Libertarian Party.