RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – A trial court judge says the threshold required for third parties to get candidates on North Carolina ballots are constitutional.

The Libertarian Party of North Carolina said Wednesday it was disappointed with the ruling.

Wake County Superior Court Judge Robert H. Hobgood ruled late Tuesday that citizens don’t have a fundamental right for the party of their choice to be on the ballot.

Hobgood heard arguments earlier this month from the Libertarian and Green parties. Both argue that state law is unlawful and too onerous.

The law requires a party to collect nearly 70,000 voter signatures to receive official party status and enable the party’s candidates to get on the ballot.

State Libertarian Party chairwoman Barbara Howe said party officials will have to decide whether to appeal the ruling.