Richard Winger of Ballot Access News has calculated the total number of votes in top of the ballot races nationwide (governor in 36 states and senate in 11 states).

 In total, independents and third party candidates got 5% of the vote–the second highest off year total since 1934. 

The Green Party was the top third party, getting just under a million votes in 24 states or 1.1%.  Libertarians were second with just under 800,000 in 27 states, and the Constitution Party a distant third with 200,000 in 12 states.

The Green Party has emerged as the top third party, with particularly strong showings in Maine and Illinois.  In some major cities such as Baltimore and D.C., the Green Party is close to passing Republicans as the second party.

We are starting to build bases of support around the country.  We need to work to build on the vote we got this year.