While the United states Armed Forces (private mercenaries) are in Vietnam “defending freedom,” the supreme court, of the corporate United states, hands down Jenesse v. Fortson: Via the fraudulent 14th amendment, it is lawful for states to restrict ballot access for independent candidates and alternative parties (American Independent, People’s, Socialist Workers, et cetera) by requiring resource consuming petition drives amounting to five-percent of the eligible votes in the previous election, which divert badly needed funds from their campaigns.  Whereas the status quo parties (Democratic and Republican) face no such burden.  This does NOT violate equal protection.

       NOTE: Before the adoption of the secret, Australian, government-restricted ballot, ballots were public, paid for, and distributed by parties and candidates.  There were no government restrictions on who could run for office.

       [updated 7/3/2025]