On August 31, a state trial court in Georgia ruled that independent candidate Earl White has enough valid signatures to be on the ballot for Stewart County Commissioner, district 3. See this story.

Stewart County only has a population of 6,058, so the number of signatures needed by White was only 32. The dispute was over (1) whether petitions should be counted if they did not specify which county commission district the candidate is running in; (2) whether a signature is valid or invalid if the signer signs in the space reserved for printed name and then prints in the space reserved for the signature; (3) whether a signature is invalid if the signer omits his or her municipality. White won on all three points. It is somewhat likely the decision will be appealed.

White is represented by State Senator Josh McKoon, who again told the press that next year, he will introduce a bill to repeal all mandatory petitions for independent candidates. Thanks to Bryan Sells for the link.