A Polk County judge has upheld a state panel's decision to exclude three Libertarian candidates from Iowa's November ballot, citing a failure to adhere to state nomination laws. The candidates—Nicholas Gluba, Marco Battaglia, and Charles Aldrich—were removed after the Libertarian Party held its caucuses and county conventions on the same day, violating state law which mandates that convention delegate terms begin the day after. Judge Michael Huppert ruled that the State Objection Panel acted within its authority and properly analyzed the situation, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with nomination rules. The Libertarian Party plans to appeal this ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court, but time is running short as ballots need to be printed soon. The absence of these candidates could impact close races in Iowa's 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts, which have shifted to a 'Leaning Republican' status according to recent assessments. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions between major and minor parties regarding electoral regulations and candidate eligibility.