The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has had all the briefs in Carl Stevenson’s ballot access case since September 8, but it has still not issued a ruling.  This is the very interesting case that challenges the in-district residency requirement for circulators for minor party and independent petitions.  The in-district residency requirement was held unconstitutional in 2002 in U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  The law was enjoined permanently.  Nevertheless, this year, the Commonwealth Court kept Carl Stevenson, an independent candidate for the legislature, off the ballot because his petition was circulated by someone who didn’t live in his district.

The ACLU is handling the appeal.  The State Elections office had submitted an amicus to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, saying that it is neutral, but explaining to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that it is an awkward position, enforcing a law that has been declared void.