On July 7, 2019, Rick Knox died at the age of 70. He had been national chairman of the Prohibition Party since 2015, and lived in Blairsville, Georgia. Under his chairmanship, the party gained qualified status in Mississippi in time to appear on the 2016 ballot, the first the party had received votes in Mississippi since 1896. Also under his chairmanship, the party established social media for itself. Knox had a background as a political consultant, and many years earlier had been active in the American Independent Party when it was a nationally-organized party. Thanks to Paul Frankel for this news.

This BBC story says Moscow, Russia, is barring 30 candidates from the ballot because they allegedly didn’t submit valid petitions. In response, a very large demonstration was held, and organizers of the protest say these demonstrations will continue if the candidates are not put on the ballot. Thanks to Nathan Hetzel for the link.

The Socialist Party will hold its national convention in Newark, New Jersey, on October 18-19, 2019. The party will decide whether or not to run a presidential candidate. The last time it didn’t run anyone for president was 1984. There is some sentiment that the party should not run its own nominee, and instead try to assist Howie Hawkins, who is seeking the Green Party presidential nomination. Hawkins is also a member of the Socialist Party.