By Wendy Osher

The Green Party of Hawai’i has successfully completed a recent petition drive, and gained certification to receive ballot access in partisan races in Hawai’i, for the 2012 election cycle.

This is the third year in a row, the Green Party obtained the necessary signatures it needs.  The GPH is now automatically included in all partisan races through 2020, according to party officials.

Under state law, political parties other than Democrat and Republican parties, are required to petition the State to appear on the ballot.

“People deserve to have as many choices as possible,” said Nikhilananda, Co-Chair of the Green Party of Hawai’i.  “Voters are often limited to one of only two individuals, with at times little difference between the two candidates. Thus it becomes even more important for the GPH to be on the ballot, allowing voters a clear and substantive choice,” he said.

The GPH plans to hold its Annual State Convention on Saturday, May 19, 2012, on Hawai’i Island at the Hawaiian Acres Community Center, beginning at 1 p.m. 

State party officers, two delegates and two alternates to the Green Party of the United States National Committee, plus four delegates and four alternates to the GPUS Presidential National Nominating Convention, will be elected.

The national convention this year will be held in Baltimore, Maryland from July 12-15, 2012.

To find out more about the Green Party of Hawai’i, one may visit the GPH website at www.greenpartyofhawaii.com, send an email to {nikhilananda@hawaiiantel.net}, or call 572-USUS(8787).