The No Labels party asked its supporters if they would pay $100 to help choose its 2024 nominee

The No Labels party, a political organization that has garnered attention for the possibility of launching a third-party presidential candidate, has considered a novel approach in its nominating process. According to documents obtained by The Big Big News, there has been contemplation of requiring a minimum donation of $100 to cast a ballot at the group’s upcoming nominating convention, a departure from the traditional norms in American politics.

This idea, if implemented, would introduce a significant barrier to participating in the democratic process within No Labels, specifically in the selection of potential presidential and vice-presidential candidates. It is worth noting that neither the Democratic nor Republican parties impose charges for voting at their conventions, where delegates typically vote for candidates determined by voters through primaries or caucuses.

The notion of requiring a donation was brought forward as part of an internal survey conducted by No Labels in September. Screenshots of this survey were shared with the Associated Press by an individual who participated in it. The survey aimed to explore how No Labels should go about selecting candidates for a bipartisan “unity ticket” in the event of a 2024 election rematch between Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

In response to the concerns raised, No Labels officials have clarified that delegates to their convention will not be required to make donations. Ryan Clancy, the Chief Strategist for No Labels, emphasized their focus on achieving ballot access and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that delegates do not have to contribute financially to participate.

While No Labels initially intended to unveil its candidate selection plans in October, it has yet to do so. The survey provides a unique glimpse into the inner workings of a group that could have a significant impact on the 2024 election. Notably, in Arizona, No Labels has registered nearly 19,000 voters, a number exceeding President Biden’s winning margin over Donald Trump in the 2020 election. Some Democrats are concerned that a No Labels candidate could divert enough votes from Biden, potentially affecting the election outcome.

One of the survey questions inquired about the fairest method for selecting delegates for the No Labels nominating convention. Options included “active participation” within No Labels over a defined period, a $100 donation to demonstrate commitment, a signed commitment to support the group’s policy priorities and principles, and the selection of delegates by local No Labels chapters. It is noteworthy that neither the Democratic nor Republican parties require delegate donations, as affirmed by Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

No Labels, which has secured ballot access in 13 states and is actively pursuing access in all 50 states, maintains that it will only proceed with a third-party bid if their candidate has a viable path to victory. They have emphasized their intention not to act as a spoiler in the election.

Despite this, they have not disclosed the criteria for moving forward or the specifics of how they will nominate a candidate at their April convention in Dallas. In the meantime, supporters of Senators Mitt Romney and Joe Manchin have initiated efforts to encourage them to seek the No Labels nomination.

The comprehensive survey, featuring over 70 questions, provides insights into how No Labels is shaping its plans and messaging. It explores various options for nominating presidential candidates, ranging from a convention with participants from all 50 states to a national primary involving millions of people interested in the No Labels effort. The survey also seeks input on the most persuasive message for the No Labels ticket to avoid being perceived as a spoiler.

Furthermore, it gauges preferences for terms that could describe the No Labels ticket, such as “independent,” “third-party,” “unity,” “No Labels,” or “common sense” candidate. It also solicits feedback on the aspects of the two-party system that respondents find most objectionable, without providing an option for those satisfied with the current system.

Towards the end of the survey, after exploring issues with the two-party system and the promotion of a third-party candidacy, it inquires about the likelihood of respondents voting for a third party. It is important to note that the sequencing of these questions could influence the survey results, potentially leading to artificially positive outcomes, as noted by pollster Paul Bentz, based in Phoenix.

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More about Nomination Process Contemplation

• No Labels
• The Big Big News
• Associated Press
• Democratic National Committee
• Brookings Institution
• 2020 Election Results