Arizona Libertarian Party Files Reply Brief in U.S. Supreme Court in Ballot Access Case

Posted on by June 10, 2020
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On June 9, the Arizona Libertarian Party filed this reply brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, in its ballot access case. The Court will consider whether to hear this case on its June 11 conference, but the results won’t be known until June 15 at the earliest.

The Court hasn’t taken a ballot access case filed by a minor party or independent candidate since 1991. Also, the Court has never heard a case over whether it is too difficult for a candidate to get on a primary ballot. This case involves access to the primary ballot.

Washington State Relaxes Rules for the Presidential Petition

Posted on by June 9, 2020
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Washington state requires 1,000 signatures for independent presidential candidates, and the presidential nominees of unqualified parties. All signatures normally must be gathered in “meetings”, which are really petitions circulated (generally outdoors) at a particular location. The location must be announced in a newspaper notice at least ten days before the meeting. Presidential petitioning can take place in multiple locations.

On June 9, because of the health crisis, the Secretary of State issued an emergency regulation, deleting the requirement that the petition-signing must occur at such “meetings”. However, the newspaper notice must still be run, telling interested voters how they can sign the petition. Here is the Emergency Rule, which is only in effect this year. Thanks to Rambudo for the link.

South Carolina Republican Voters Support Adding Question About Party Affiliation on Voter Registration Form

Posted on by June 9, 2020
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On June 9, South Carolina held non-presidential primaries for the Republican and Democratic Parties. The Republican ballot had two advisory questions. Question one asked if the state should change the voter registration form to ask the applicant which party, if any, he or she wants to join. That measure is passing with 86.6% of the vote.

If South Carolina registration forms asked about party affiliation, that would then make it possible for the state to have closed or semi-closed primaries. Currently South Carolina has open primaries, which means that any voter is free to choose any party’s primary ballot.

The Republican ballot also asked if the law should be changed to eliminate fusion. That is passing with 80.3% of the vote.

Virginia Minor Parties File Brief in Support of Injunctive Ballot Access Relief

Posted on by June 9, 2020
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On June 8, the four minor parties who are suing Virginia for ballot access relief filed this brief in their ballot access case. Libertarian Party of Virginia v Virginia Board of Elections, e.d., 3:20cv-349. This case was originally filed on May 15 by the Constitution and Green Parties, but since then the Libertarian and Independent Green Parties have joined the case.

Pennsylvania Minor Parties File Brief That Explains Why Democratic Party Should Not be Allowed to Intervene in Ballot Access Case

Posted on by June 9, 2020
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On June 8, the Pennsylvania Constitution, Green, and Libertarian Parties filed this brief in their ballot access case, Libertarian Party of Pennslvania v Wolf, e.d., 5:20cv-2299. The brief argues that the Democratic Party should not be allowed to intervene in the case, which asks for ballot access relief due to the health crisis. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party is opposed to any ballot access relief.