On August 1, the Ninth Circuit issued a one-page order, expediting Tedards v Ducey, 19-16308. This is the case that challenges Arizona’s decision not to hold an election for John McCain’s U.S. Senate seat until November 2020. McCain died in August 2018. The U.S. District Court had upheld the state’s decision. The plaintiffs argue that a special election should be held in 2019 or early 2020. The three judges are Mary M. Schroeder, William Canby, and Morgan B. Christen.
The briefs are due by mid-October 2019. The oral argument will be in November 2019. Thanks to Rick Hasen for this news.
CANDIDATE/MEMBER REPLACEMENT LISTS DURING ELECTION/TERM
— NOOOO MORE SPECIAL ELECTIONS.
LEGIS BODIES MUST BE 100 PCT FULL 24/7 TO DEAL WITH EXEC/JUDIC MACHINATIONS.
Congress should require special elections within 60 days of a vacancy.
Having ANY special election was and is a major chore –
early on – just getting candidate lists to all precincts
then later – printing ballots – and getting them to voters – esp in rural areas.
esp before railroads and telegraphs.
Thus the *discretionary* stuff about special election dates.
Texas had no trouble organizing special elections for senate in 1961 or 1993.
It was a mistake to continue permitting senate appointments in the 17th Amendment.
How many printers actually print new age ballots — have to be a bit size accurate for proper scanning.
Also the now zillion different precinct forms — due to 3-7 plus gerrymander districts plus 3-5 plus at large areas in each general election per precinct.
Harris County Texas has 100s of ballot styles, and produces them in four languages on demand during early voting.
It is much simpler in a special election.