New York Governor May 1 Order Does Not Set New Petitioning Period for Independent Candidate Petitions

On May 1, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued new emergency regulations and rules for various election procedures. But the May 1 order does not set a new petitioning period for independent candidate petitions, or petitions for the nominees of unqualified parties. The May 1 order says at the bottom that a future order will set the petitioning period.

Andrew Yang Files Second Amended Complaint in Case on Cancellation of New York Presidential Primary

On May 1, Andrew Yang filed a second amended complaint, which now lists as defendants the various officers and members of the New York State Board of Elections. This concerns his lawsuit against the state for cancelling the Democratic presidential primary. The case is now called Yang v Kellner, s.d., 1:20cv-3325. The original complaint was legally flawed because it only listed the State Board of Elections as the Defendant, instead of naming particular individuals who are part of the State Board.

The Defendants’ deadline for an answer is May 22, but it is likely Yang will move to expedite the case.

Congressman Justin Amash Lists Himself in Congressional Directory as a Libertarian

Congressman Justin Amash is now listed in the Congressional Directory as a Libertarian. He is the first member to list himself as a member of a nationally-organized party, other than the Democratic and Republican Parties, since Congressman Vito Marcantonio was listed as an American Labor Party member. Marcantonio left Congress after he was defeated for re-election in 1950. The American Labor Party was the New York state affiliate of the Progressive Party that was founded early in 1948 by Henry Wallace.

Ron Paul always listed himself in the Congressional Directory as a Republican. John Anderson continued to list himself as a Republican all during 1980, even though he was running for president as an independent that year.

Oklahoma Filing (for Office other than President) Closes

Filing for the Oklahoma 2020 election, for all office other than president, has closed. Here is a link to the State Board of Elections website, listing the candidates for Congress and state office. For Corporation Commissioner, the only nominees on the ballot in November will be whoever wins the Republican primary, and Libertarian Todd Hagopian.

In 2018, when the only candidates for State Auditor were the Republican and the Libertarian, the Libertarian polled 24.8%.