California Legislature Passes Bill Requiring All General Election Presidential Candidates to Certify they are in Compliance with the 22nd Amendment

On September 3, the California legislature sent AB 1539 to Governor Gavin Newsom. It requires the chair of all qualified parties that place a presidential nominee on the ballot to certify that their presidential and vice-presidential nominees comply with the 22nd amendment, the term limits amendment. The bill also applies to declared write-in presidential candidates, and independent presidential candidates. No other state requires such paperwork. Here is the text.

U.S. Postal Service Files Appeal with U.S. Supreme Court on Sunday, September 6

On Sunday, September 6, the U.S. Postal Service filed this appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case over whether postal balloting. This is a combination of U.S. Postal Service v State of California, and Trump v League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, 26A305.

Also on Sunday, the Court asked for a response by September 9.

Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Says Green Party Has the Authority to Block a Petitioning Candidate Who Uses “Green” Label But Whom the Party Disavows

On September 4, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court removed Andrew Tupone from the November ballot. He had enough valid signatures to be on the November ballot for U.S. House, 7th district. But he used the Green Party ballot label, even though the Green Party (which is not a qualified party) does not recognize him as a bona fide member of the party. See this story.

Here is the Opinion. In the Nomination Paper of Tupone, 366 MD 2026.

This appears to be the first time Pennsylvania state courts have recognized party name protection for an unqualified party. Nothing in the Pennsylvania election code says unqualified parties have such protection for their party name. It is not known if Tupone will appeal.