the libertarian party of new york was founded as an unregistered political party in 1970 by paul and michael gilson who became its first people in public office the next year on election to a zoning board in upstate new york. it helped drive the creation of a national party, and was re-organized in 1972 by a group now centered around ed clark, later the libertarian party presidential candidate. its name was changed to the "free libertarian party" when the new york board of elections ruled that the name libertarian party would confuse voters with the liberal party of new york. however, the board of elections eventually allowed the name "libertarian party" to be used. the statue of liberty is their ballot symbol, and they now appear on the ballot as the libertarian party.