1996: The Green Party of Minnesota failed to qualify for statewide ballot status in November 1996.

In Minnesota, the qualification criteria for statewide ballot status is for a party to receive 5% or more for any statewide office, plus at least one vote in every county, in at least one two consecutive elections.

Ballot status lasts four years and is extended by four years with each election year that 5% is reached for a statewide office.

Ralph Nader received 1.1% and 24,908 votes in November 1996 for president. This 1.1% failed to reach the 5% needed to qualify the Green Party of Minnesota for statewide ballot status.


1998: The Green Party of Minnesota failed to qualify for statewide ballot status in November 1996.

Ken Pentel received 0.3% and 6,983 votes in November 1998 for governor. This 0.3% failed to reach the 5% needed to qualify the Green Party of Minnesota for statewide ballot status.


2000: The Green Party of Minnesota qualified for statewide ballot status in November 2000.

Ralph Nader received 5.2% and 126,696 votes in November 2000 for president. His 5.2% surpassed the 5% needed to qualify the Green Party of Minnesota for statewide ballot status, and qualified it through the 2004 elections.


2002: In November 2002, Ken Pentel received 2.3% and 50,589 votes for governor. This 2.3% was not sufficient to extend the Green Party of Minnesota's ballot status past 2004.


2004: The Green Party of Minnesota lost statewide ballot status in November 2004.

David Cobb received 0.16% and 4,408 votes in November 2004 for present. This 0.16% failed to reach the 5% required for the Green Party of Minnesota to retain its statewide ballot status.