Press Release
On August 8th, 2020 at 12:30 pm, protesters are gathering (at the Festival Center parking lot in North Charleston) in the first nationwide driving protest in counties all across the nation. The Libertarian Party of the LowCountry will lead a group of local community members in a COVID-safe demonstration, driving convoy style down Ashley Phosphate Rd. and Dorchester Rd. They will be decorating their cars parade-style and will “go live” together on their social media channels.
This is a coordinated effort across the nation with 35 confirmed events and 450 participants to protest the Commission on Presidential Debates continued decision to silence the Libertarian Nominee for the United States President, Dr. Jo Jorgensen, and all third parties who are listed on the presidential ballot.
One hundred years ago this year, women were taking to the streets to protest the government to recognize their rights as sovereign citizens, and their right to be heard in elections, led by the Women Voters Coalition. The WVC also created the first presidential debates to give American voters a greater understanding of all their presidential candidates. In 1985, the Commission on Presidential Debates was formed to take over sponsorship of the debate and boxed the WVC out.
The CPD created polling restrictions to not allow third-parties in the debate by selecting random polls to determine who is polling above 15%. The catch? Most of these polls do not even mention a 3rd party candidate. In 2012, the minimum to participate was 10%, but when Gary Johnson got 12%, the CPD raised the polling requirement to 15%. Voters are being left in the dark with systemic voter manipulation.
We demand polling restrictions are changed to quantifiable results that cannot be manipulated by the CPD. Third parties who are listed as options on American ballots shall be allowed to debate so that Americans can properly compare their choices.
It’s been 100 years since the 19th amendment was passed, and Dr. Jo Jorgensen, the only female candidate (who is highly qualified), is still being silenced by the CPD. Dr. Jo Jorgensen has her Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, is a Senior Lecturer at Clemson University, is an accomplished entrepreneur, and has a pristine record. The Libertarian Party is one of the only parties in the U.S. that has secured ballot access for presidential candidates in all 50 states. She is an educated and articulate woman with fresh ideas, and with as divided as the American public is, she deserves to be heard.
“Government is too big, too bossy, too nosy, and, worst of all, often hurts the very people it intends to help. The government doesn't work; liberty and freedom do” – Dr. Jo Jorgensen
