A state panel voted 2-1 today (Wednesday) to remove three Libertarian congressional candidates from the November ballot. Republicans objected, arguing that the Libertarian district caucuses do not comply with state law.

Republican Secretary of State Paul Pate voted to remove them from the ballot. “It’s not an ideal situation, but rules are rules, and as the election commissioner, I can’t make them. I can enforce them as they are. And I think that’s not an easy process.” Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird also voted to remove the Libertarian candidates from the ballot, while Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand voted to keep them.

Sand says internal party issues are no reason to disqualify candidates from the election. “Both parties have the opportunity to appeal. Why are we doing the opposite here today? Because they want to impose a two-party system, divide the people of Iowa and limit their voting options?” says Sand.

Jules Carter, chair of the Libertarian Party of Iowa, says she is disappointed but not surprised by the decision. “It’s about silencing us. Yes, it’s about making sure they have a better chance of winning. If you want to win, how about your campaign not silencing others,” Carter says. The three candidates say they will launch campaigns if their names cannot be on the ballot.

First Congressional District candidate Nicholas Gluba, Third Congressional District candidate Marco Battaglia and Fourth Congressional District candidate Charles Aldrich will not appear on the ballot unless they successfully appeal the decision in court by September 3.

(By Katarina Sostaric, Iowa Public Radio/Woody Gottburg, KSCJ Radio)