JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office has certified a petition that paves the way for a new statewide political party known as the “Better Party.”

According to Missouri state statutes, a new political party can form in the state if at least 10,000 registered Missouri voters sign a petition in support of it.

Ashcroft’s office says he has signed a certificate of sufficiency for the “Better Party” after a petition met its signature requirements.


Hundreds of Tesla vehicles parked outside Chesterfield Mall. Why?

With this certification, candidates can run for statewide office through the “Better Party.” Its first candidates could appear on ballots for the Nov. 5 general election.

According to an April report from the Springfield News-Leader, the “Better Party” is an alternative to the Democrat or Republican party.

The report credits Joplin resident and prospective “Better Party” Missouri U.S. Senate Candidate Jared Young for the push behind a new party. He feels it will give people “greater political choice” and combat concerns of “extremes on both sides” of the Democratic and Republican parties.