NC presidential ballot to feature three candidates

RALEIGH — Evan McMullin, a former CIA officer, announced his independent bid for the November presidential election on Monday.In a letter posted on the Evan McMullin for President website, he wrote that Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was “stale” and “a corrupt career politician,” and Republican candidate Donald Trump “appeals to the worst fears of Americans” and is “unstable.””Millions of Americans are not being represented by either of these candidates; those of us who care about the strength of the military and intelligence services find little to embrace in either Trump or Clinton,” McMullin wrote.The deadline to get on the presidential ballot as an independent candidate was Wednesday at noon. And according to Jackie Hyland, the public information officer for North Carolina State Board of Elections, the agency “did not receive any paperwork for petition candidacy from Evan McMullin and the deadline has passed.”In order to be a write-in candidate, the person seeking presidency must submit a petition signed by 500 North Carolina voters.The North Carolina ballot will include Republican candidate Donald Trump, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. Voters can also write-in Green Party’s Jill Stein.Other states have different deadlines for petitioning candidacy, and on Thursday McMullin’s campaign announced his name would be on Colorado’s ballot and others were to follow.”Our campaign is a little over 72 hours old, and as our online community, small-dollar donations, volunteer base and media presence has exploded, we’re thrilled to announce Evan is on the ballot in Colorado,” said chief strategist Joel Searby. “Colorado is the first of many states to come as our ballot access program kicks in to high gear and Evan takes his message nationwide.”According to a memo released by Searby, the campaign has five plans to compete, including conventional petition signature gathering, minor parties with presidential ballot lines, a legal challenge in states whose deadlines have passed, write-ins and/or the complete collapse of Donald Trump.McMullin, in a letter addressed to America, said he wanted to represent citizens, which he believes is not possible under a Clinton or Trump presidency.”Like millions of Americans, I had hoped this year would bring us better nominees who, despite party differences, could offer compelling visions of a better future,” McMullin stated. “Instead, we have been left with two candidates who are fundamentally unfit for the profound responsibilities they seek.”Rachel Mills, the national press secretary for the Libertarian Party, stressed voters should not support a candidate they don’t like.”It’s important to not add to the mandate of someone that you don’t agree with,” Mills said. “Do not give them your mandate. If Gary Johnson doesn’t win, the worst possible outcome in my mind is Hillary or Trump with a high percentage of the vote.”Mills said their candidate hoped to add other choices for voters.”They should explore their other options instead of staying at home or writing in Mickey Mouse,” Mills said.When asked about her thoughts about whether McMullin would take away voters from Johnson nationally, Mills replied saying, “Best of luck to him. I’ve never heard of him.”According to the Public Policy Polling in North Cartolina, Gary Johnson is polling at 7 percent and Jill Stein is at 2 percent. McMullin was not included.If a third party candidate polls at 15 percent or higher they can join the two major parties on the debate stage.The ballots will be available by Sept. 9 for military and overseas voters.