On May 22, U.S. District Court Judge Edmund Sargus refused to stay his earlier opinion that said Ohio must allow electronic signatures for statewide initiative petitions, and must dispense with the witness requirement for each petition sheet. The relief only extended to the groups that brought the lawsuit.
The same day, Ohio appealed to the Sixth Circuit, where it is Thompson v DeWine, 20-3526.
On May 25, both President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence said it is possible the Republican national convention might be moved away from Charlotte, North Carolina, to another state. See this story. The dates of the convention are August 24-27. Thanks to Thomas Jones for the news.
On Sunday, May 24, U.S. District Court Robert Hinkle struck down the Florida law that requires ex-felons to pay court fees and costs before they can register to vote. The order says court fees and costs are taxes, and poll taxes are unconstitutional.
In addition, the order strikes down the requirement that ex-felons pay fines and restitution, if they are unable to pay such fines and restitution. But if they are able to pay their fines and/or restitution, then they must do so.
The decision is 125 pages. Jones v DeSantis, n.d., 4:19cv-300.
On Sunday, May 24, the Libertarian Party nominated Spike Cohen for vice-president. The third round vote was: Cohen 533; John Monds 472.
On Sunday, May 24, the Libertarian convention held a second round of voting for vice-president. Again, no one got 50%. The results: Spike Cohen 474; John Monds 432; Ken Armstrong 96.
