The Columbus Dispatch has this op-ed by law professor Mark Brown, in support of the Tenth Circuit decision in Baca v Griswold. That decision, issued on August 20, said states can’t fire presidential electors for voting for someone other than the candidate who won the most popular votes in that state.
California State Senator John Moorlach, a Republican, here has a list of the thirteen worst bills passed by the California legislature this year. He includes SB 696, the bill to force the American Independent Party to change its name by October 29, 2019, or be eliminated from the ballot. Senator Moorlach spoke against SB 696 on the Senate floor. It passed on a party-line vote, with all Democrats voting “yes” and all Republicans voting “no.” Thanks to Jack Dean for the link.
On September 20, CATO Institute filed this amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, in Libertarian National Committee v Federal Election Commission, 19-234. This is the case over whether the Constitution permits the federal government to block bequests from deceased individuals to political parties. CATO argues that the Supreme Court should hear the case and then rule that there is a common-sense exemption for donations to parties from deceased individuals.
The government’s response is due October 23, 2019.
A law passed in South Dakota this year requires initiative petition circulators to reveal personal information, which is then available to the public. See this story. The law was challenged in U.S. District Court on July 29, 2019, and will probably receive a decision this year. The case is SD Voice v Noem, 1:19cv-1017.
The law does not apply to petitions for other types of petition.
On September 21, the Alaska Republican Party state convention in Fairbanks voted not to hold its usual party-administered presidential primary, which is officially called a “poll” but which allows any registered Republican voter to express an opinion about who the party should nominate. Voters must vote at places where the party is caucusing.
See this story. Thanks to Political Wire for the news.
