On June 5, U.S. District Court Judge Algernon Marbley upheld the Ohio law that says members of the Ohio Elections Commission must include an equal number of members of the two largest parties in the state, plus an independent member chosen by the other commissioners. Under this scheme, members of minor parties can never be eligible for the commission. Libertarian Party of Ohio v Taveras, s.d., 2:19cv-2501. Here is the decision.
The Libertarian Party will hold an in-person “second sitting” of the national convention in Orlando, Florida, July 8-12. Although the party already chose its national ticket last month via an electronic convention, it still must elect party officers and work on the platform and bylaws.
The South Carolina non-presidential primaries are on June 9. The Republican primary ballot will ask an advisory question, “Do you support giving voters the right to register with the Political Party of your choice?” Currently South Carolina has open primaries, and the voter registration form does not ask about party affiliation. Any voter on primary day is free to choose any party’s primary ballot.
If the idea passes with a big margin, in 2021 the Republican Party will probably try to persuade the legislature, which has a Republican majority, to implement a closed primary. Ironically, this year any voter is free to choose the Republican ballot, and this may motivate persons who don’t normally choose the Republican primary ballot to choose it this year.
On June 5, U.S. District Court Judge Janet Hall heard Gottlieb v Lamont, 3:20cv-623. This is the lawsuit over ballot access relief for primary petitions. Here is a lengthy news story about the hearing. The judge said she will rule next week.
On June 2, the plaintiffs in Gottlieb v Lamont, 3:20cv-623, filed this Reply brief. This is the lawsuit over whether Connecticut should give petitioning relief for candidates seeking a spot on the August 11 primary ballot. The Governor already cut the signature requirement for primaries down to 70% of normal, and extended the deadline two days, but the plaintiffs argue that is not enough relief. Their brief contains information about attempts to petition and how difficult it is.
