I have no idea what a "vote trade" is nor do I believe the outcome of an election in any state is decided until the votes are counted.

In Pennsylvania, any statewide candidate getting at least 2% of the votes cast in Pennsylvania for the highest vote getter of that particular statewide office can gain what is called "minor party" status for the political organization. Only votes cast in Pennsylvania count.

For example, if a candidate files nomination papers for governor with the political body name of Monster Raving Loony Party and gets more than 2% of the votes cast for the winner of the governor's race, the Monster Raving Loony Party would be considered a minor political party in Pennsylvania. Screaming Lord Such would have been proud.

A minor political party gets to have their party name printed on the voter registration forms so people only have to check the box to register with that party. Otherwise they have to check the "other" box and write in the party name. That is the benefit of gaining minor party status. The nomination forms are different as well, but the process is pretty much the same.

This will change if proposed legislation gets adopted. Minor political party status and voter registration will be VERY important and will make ballot access MUCH easier for minor parties.

We are currently do not have minor-party status in PA.  I believe we loss it in 2004 with Badnarik.  So every vote counts to regain that status. 

Stand corrected, how could i forget?