Libertarian candidates ask to be kept on ballot in Iowa after removal by state panel

DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO) — Earlier this week, a Polk County Judge placed an injunction on the Iowa Secretary of State from certifying the 2024 election ballots after a state panel removed three Libertarian candidates off the ballot.

On Thursday there was a hearing in Polk County with the legal representation from the state and the state’s Libertarian party. The three candidates removed from the ballot are Nicholas Gluba (IA-01), Marco Battaglia (IA-03) and Charles Aldrich (IA-04).

A state panel in last August determined that the Libertarian Party of Iowa did not follow proper procedure and state law, specifically not holding the state nominating convention at least a day after county nominating conventions. The state of Iowa argued that since law was not followed the candidates names should be left off in November.

“After they met certain requirements to become a major party with that great benefit came they were allowed to have their names on the ballot with their party right there next to it. But also with that came the burden of following the rules. The Libertarian party did not follow the rules,” said Patrick Valencia, the Assistant Solicitor General for the state.

The representation for the Libertarian Party included the party chair Jules Cutler. She argued that this is voter suppression and interfering with the electoral process.

“The bottom line of this case is bullying, the big kid on the block does not like the fact the new kid on the block is coming to play,” said Cutler. “That’s what this is about.”

Polk County District Judge Michael Huppert said that he will be making the decision quickly, as the election is two months away, and the decision is likely to be appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court.

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