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Brevard County Democratic Party Also Resolves to Let Independent Voters Vote in Florida Democratic Primaries

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Richard WingerApril 23, 2019

On April 17, the Brevard County Democratic Party resolved that the Florida Democratic Party should let independents vote in its primaries. Brevard County is the ninth most populous county in Florida, and contains Melbourne and Cape Canaveral. This resolution was earlier passed by the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party. See this story.

The party has a First Amendment freedom of association right to decide for itself whether to let independents vote in its primaries; the state government cannot interfere.

New Arkansas Ballot Access Case Moves Ahead

Posted on April 22, 2019 by Richard WingerApril 22, 2019

On April 18, the Arkansas Secretary of State filed an answer in U.S. District Court, in Libertarian Party of Arkansas v Thurston, e.d., 4:19cv-214. This is the lawsuit filed by the Libertarian Party on March 28, 2019, against the new law requiring a party to submit a petition signed by 3% of the last gubernatorial vote to get on the ballot. The old law required 10,000 signatures; the new requirement for 2020 is 26,746 signatures.

The fact that the answer has been filed quickly is helpful for moving the case along rapidly. It is likely that the matter of injunctive relief might be resolved during May 2019.

Debates Case Is Appealed

Posted on April 22, 2019 by Richard WingerMay 1, 2019

Level the Playing Field has filed a notice of appeal in Level the Playing Field v FEC, the debates case. The case number in the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, is 19-5117. This is the lawsuit over the Commission on Presidential Debates’ 15% poll requirement for inclusion in the debates.

Texas Bill to End Partisan Elections for Judge

Posted on April 21, 2019 by Richard WingerApril 21, 2019

A bill is pending in the Texas legislature to end partisan elections for state judges. See this story. Thanks to Howard Bashman for the link. The story says the bill probably won’t pass this year.

Florida Bill to Ban Paying Initiative Circulators per Signature Advances

Posted on April 20, 2019 by Richard WingerApril 20, 2019

On April 18, the Florida House State Affairs Committee passed HB 7111 by 12-6. It makes it illegal for initiative proponents to pay circulators on a per-signature basis. The bill had previously passed the House Judiciary Committee. It will probably have a vote on the House floor on April 24. The bill is mostly supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats. Thanks to Rick Hasen for this news.