On the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement, the Maricopa County Libertarian Party will lea a protest against presidential exclusion exclusion.

The event is scheduled 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Youngtown Shopping Center, 11863 N. 111th Ave., Youngtown. Party members will lead a group of local community members in a COVID-safe demonstration, driving “convoy” style along main roads through Youngtown, El Mirage, Surprise, Sun City Grand, Sun City West and Sun City. They will be decorating their cars parade-style and will “go live” together on their social media channels.

This is a coordinated effort across the nation with hundreds of confirmed events and thousands of participants to protest the Commission on Presidential Debates decision to exclude all other parties who are listed on the presidential ballot from planned debates.

One hundred years ago, women led by the Women Voters Coalition were taking to the streets to protest the government to recognize their rights as sovereign citizens, and their right to be heard in elections. The WVC also created the first presidential debates to give American voters a greater understanding of all their presidential candidates. In 1987, the Commission on Presidential Debates was formed to take over sponsorship of the debate. 

The CPD created polling restrictions to not allow third parties in the debate by selecting random polls to determine who is polling above 15%. However, most of these polls do not mention a third party candidate.

Libertarians and their supporters want polling restrictions changed to quantifiable results that cannot be manipulated by the CPD. Any political party listed as an option on American ballots should be allowed to debate so that Americans can determine the best candidate for their informed vote, according to Libertarian Party officials.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Daugherty is a Libertarian Party member and host for the Aug. 8 convoy event.