Ballot Access News
U.S. minor-party/libertarian-adjacent, single-issue (ballot access reform)
Background
Richard Winger, a longtime Libertarian Party activist and the country's most recognized expert on ballot access law, founded Ballot Access News in 1985 as a print newsletter. Its stated purpose has always been to track and advocate for fair ballot access — the legal rules that determine whether third-party and independent candidates can appear on election ballots. Over its four decades, the publication built a reputation as an authoritative, if niche, source on election law, and Winger was frequently cited by journalists, academics, and courts. In June 2023, Winger announced that Bill Redpath, a former national chair of the Libertarian Party, would become the primary editor, with Winger continuing as co-editor. Media Bias/Fact Check rates the outlet as 'Least Biased' for minimal editorializing, while noting a high factual accuracy record. Despite that rating, the publication has an inherent advocacy orientation: it consistently favors loosening ballot access restrictions, a position that often puts it at odds with both major parties, which benefit from the existing barriers to competition. Under the second Trump administration, Ballot Access News has covered and been critical of executive orders and legislative efforts that restrict voter registration, mail-in voting, and third-party ballot eligibility — policies it frames as undermining electoral fairness. Winger was inducted into the Hall of Liberty in 2012 in recognition of his ballot access work.
Sources
- Ballot Access News — Wikipedia
- Richard Winger — Wikipedia
- Ballot Access News — Ballotpedia
- Richard Winger — Ballotpedia
- Ballot-Access News — Media Bias/Fact Check
Profile compiled 2026-09-16; refreshed when ownership, funding, or the administration changes.