1994: The Maine Green Party qualifed for statewide ballot status in November, 1994.

In Maine in 1994, the criteria for qualification for statewide ballot status was to receive 5% or more every two years, in the governors and the presidents race. Maine Greens did not agree with this interpretation.

Jonathan Carter received 6.4% and 32,695 votes for Governor. The 6.4% surpassed the 5% required to qualify the Maine Green Party for the ballot.

1996: The Maine Green Party failed to retain statewide ballot status in November 1996.

Ralph Nader received 2.5% for president. This 2.5% was not sufficient to surpass the 5% threshold necessary for the Maine Green Party to retain ballot status.

The Maine Green Party appealed the Secretary of State's ruling to the District 1 Federal Court. They contested the Maine Secretary of State’s ruling that a party must receive 5% every two years to remain on the ballot - in both the gubernatorial and presidential elections - not just every four years at the state elections. The Judge sent the case to the State Supreme Court to clarify Maine law.

In August 1997, the Maine Supreme Court ruled unanimously in support of the Secretary of State’s ruling. The Maine Greens lost ballot status and their approximately 3,600 voter registrations at the time.


1998: The Maine Green Independent Party qualifed for statewide ballot status in November 1998.

Pat LaMarche received 6.8% and 28,722 votes for Governor. The 6.8% surpassed the 5% required to qualify the Maine Green Indepedent Party for the ballot.

In 1999, the Maine legislature changed the 5% requirement from every four years to every two years. This change was the product of a great deal of lobbying by Maine Greens.

2000: The Maine Green Independent Party retains statewide ballot status in November 2000.

Ralph Nader received 5.7% and 37,127 votes for president. The 5.7% surpassed the 5% required for the Maine Green Party to retain ballot status. Even though Maine Greens already had ballot status through 2002, the 5.7% extended their status out to 2004.

2002: The Maine Green Independent Party retains statewide ballot status in November 2002.

In Maine in 1994, the criteria for qualification for statewide ballot status was to receive 5% or more every four years in the governors race.

Jonathan Carter received 9.3% and 46,179 votes for Governor. The 9.3% surpassed the 5% required for the Maine Green Party to retain ballot status. Even though Maine Greens already had ballot status through 2004, the 5.7% extended their status out to 2006.