Green, Libertarian parties' lawsuit goes to trial

RALEIGH -- A trial is under way that could determine whether it's too difficult for third parties to get their candidates on North Carolina's ballot. A lawsuit filed by the Libertarian and Green parties went to trial Monday. The parties argue that the state law that defines a political party is onerous and violates party members' rights to free speech and association. The law also affects how party candidates can be included on ballots. Under the law, a party must collect nearly 70,000 voter signatures to receive official party status. Party leaders said that's one of the highest thresholds in the country. State attorneys defend the law. They said lawmakers set objective criteria to maintain the integrity of elections by requiring parties demonstrate they have adequate support from voters. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)