Green Party of the United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Adapted from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z9XiohShg-dsZyVf2H-RuwxW-5JqNMfs9cYNl73KrVU/edit?usp=sharing

Why do Greens only run every 4 years?

We run in every election every year because it is required to keep our national party status and to maintain ballot access.

2020: 210 races
2019: 132 races
2018: 296 races
2017: 196 races
2016: 310 races
2015: 128 races

Candidate database:

https://www.gpelections.org/

Why should I vote third party?

The two major parties are beholden to corporations. We need to fix our broken system not continue supporting it! #MoneyOutOfPolitics

https://www.gp.org/fix_our_broken_system

We stand for:
#M4A #LivingWage #HousingJustice #EqualityForAll #WorkersRights #LGBTQRights #WomensRights #VeteransRights #CitizenshipForAll #Decolonize #DefundWar #GND

https://www.gp.org/we_stand

But Greens never win…

We’ve won in 1,240 races since 1985 and currently have 140 Greens in elected office!

https://www.gpelections.org/election-history/victories/

https://www.gpelections.org/greens-in-office/number-greens-holding-elected-office-history/

What’s your Strategic Plan?

Our goal is to enact policies that prioritize people, planet, and peace. We will empower communities, mobilize for #systemchange, and replace all legislators that refuse to listen.

We will focus on four goals:

Increase membership and diversity. #Outreach
Run and elect more candidates. #GreenWarriors
Achieve more positive awareness of the party. #PeoplePlanetPeace
More effective issue advocacy and policy development. #Empower

https://www.gp.org/strategic_plan

How do I get involved?

Please join your state party: www.gp.org/state_parties

Or get appointed to a national committee: www.gpus.org/committees

What can I do to build my state party?

Organize regular Welcome events: “Help us fix our broken system!” Include our 4 pillars, policies, scheduled events, and volunteer opportunities.
Coordinate learning sessions on Zoom. They could cover our policies #GND or electoral reform at city/state level. #RCV
Mobilize a statewide ballot initiative #M4A
Co-Host events with like minded orgs. #NoMoreWars #HousingJustice
Organize a Mutual-Aid or partner with orgs already helping communities
Encourage community & county locals
www.gp.org/organizing_tools
Connect new Greens to a longtime Green
Maintain a user friendly state party website with clear volunteer opportunities and a Calendar of Events
Share GP social media graphics in non-Green groups and orgs. https://m.facebook.com/groups/GreenPartyUS/permalink/10158000121200748/
Plus:
- Four Pillars/Ten Key Values: https://shop.gp.org/products/4-pillars-10-key-values-brochure-download
- Green New Deal: https://shop.gp.org/products/greens-vs-dems-download
Be seen being Green: https://shop.gp.org/collections/apparel
Don’t forget to review the party’s rules and procedures: https://gpus.org/rules-procedures/

What is ballot access?

To be on state ballots, third parties must meet a variety of requirements in each state.

One common criteria in 48 of the 50 states is that we must run in statewide races and get a certain percentage (varies by state) to attain and maintain ballot access. If we don’t meet the threshold, we must collect a large number of signatures of support in a small window every time we run.

For specific state ballot access requirements, choose your state from the drop down menu:

https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_access_for_major_and_minor_party_candidates

Who can help me run for office?

The national party has online trainings and document templates available. We also have a technical assistance group: Greens4Office.

Webinars:

https://gpus.org/committees/coordinated-campaign/ccc-webinars/

Documents/Templates:

https://gpus.org/committees/coordinated-campaign/ccc-documents/

What are the party’s requirements to run for president?

To run for national office please know you must meet certain criteria and learn each state’s election requirements. You will have to travel, attain voter lists, fundraise, put together a team, submit paperwork to every state party, and work on a detailed multi state ballot access plan.

https://gpus.org/how-to-seek-2020-green-nomination-2/

Our Presidential Nominating Committee (PNC) requires you to complete the following:

https://gpus.org/rules-procedures/#10