Alabama Bill to Ease Ballot Access

Posted on by May 4, 2019
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On April 30, Alabama State Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) introduced SB 336. It decreases the number of signatures for newly-qualifying parties, and non-presidential independents, from 3% of the last gubernatorial vote, to 1.5%. Also it eases the petition deadline from the day of the primary, to the third Wednesday after the run-off primary. The bill affects federal and state office, but not county office.

If the bill were to pass, the 2020 statewide petition would go from 51,588 signatures to 25,794 signatures. The deadline would move from March 3 to April 29. The bill has a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 8. Thanks to Joshua Cassity for this news.

Arkansas Libertarian Party Files Opening Brief in Support of its Request for Injunctive Relief Against New Petition

Posted on by May 4, 2019
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On May 3, the Arkansas Libertarian Party filed this brief in Libertarian Party of Arkansas v Thurston, e.d., 4:19cv-214. The brief argues that the U.S. District Court should soon enjoin the new petition requirement of 26,745 signatures that was passed by the legislature earlier this year.

Sixth Circuit Expedites Ohio’s Appeal in Case on Local Initiatives and Due Process

Posted on by May 3, 2019
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On May 3, the Sixth Circuit expedited Schmitt v LaRose, 19-3196. This is the case over whether Ohio county election officials are free to remove local initiatives from the ballot because they think the initiative, if passed, would be invalid under state or federal law. The U.S. District Court had ruled that such behavior violates due process, and that only a state court can take initiatives off the ballot for such reasons. Ohio appealed, and the Sixth Circuit will rush the case. All briefs will be due by June 4, 2019.

U.S. District Court Finds Ohio U.S. House Districts are an Unconstitutional Partisan Gerrymander

Posted on by May 3, 2019
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On May 3, a 3-judge U.S. District Court found that Ohio’s U.S. House districts are an unconstitutional gerrymander. The court ordered the state not to use the districts for the 2020 election. Ohio A. Philip Randolph Institute v Householder, s.d., 1:18cv-357.

The decision is signed by judge Karen Moore, a Clinton appointee; Michael H. Watson, a Bush Jr. appointee; and Tim S. Black, an Obama appointee. The decision is 301 pages. Thanks to Rick Hasen for this news.