COLUMBUS — Kevin Knedler offers himself as the alternative to two-party control of state government.

“As secretary of state, I would be an independent voice,” he said. “I would not be beholden to special interests or the two major parties. I would not use the office to run for something higher.”

Mr. Knedler, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Ohio, scrambled to mount a successful write-in campaign during the primary election when it was clear the party’s chosen candidate failed to gather the signatures necessary to qualify.

He is on the Nov. 4 ballot alongside Republican incumbent Secretary of State Jon Husted and the Democratic challenger, state Sen. Nina Turner (D., Cleveland).

In addition to watching the court fights over early voting in recent weeks, Mr. Knedler points to legislation passed by the General Assembly that the party maintains would make it tougher for minor party candidates to qualify for the ballot. He also notes the apparent involvement of Republicans in challenging the candidate petitions of fellow Libertarians for statewide office, including governor.

Those fights continue in federal court. In the meantime, Mr. Knedler said he would advocate for greater participation by independents and minor parties on county boards of elections that are currently split 2-2 between Democrats and Republicans.

He also proposes making it easier for minor parties to demonstrate they have the support necessary to give them a spot on Ohio’s ballot.

He said he would not have appealed a federal court ruling that prevented the state from shortening the early voting window for this election. The U.S. Supreme Court later blocked that ruling.

“My biggest gripe with the entire secretary of state’s directive [on early voting hours] is that this is a very diverse state,” he said. “What works in Cuyahoga County may not work in Auglaize or Hardin counties, which are more rural. I was upset that there was no flexibility for diversity.”

First Published October 19, 2014, 4:35 a.m.