Bernie Sanders and Others Outside New York Express Support for New York Fusion

The idea that the New York legislature might end fusion has drawn reactions from non-New Yorkers. This New York Times story mentions that Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have expressed support for New York’s existing law. The story does not mention it, but both Vermont and Massachusetts also allow fusion, via write-ins in primaries.

Many opponents of fusion claim that New York is one of only three or four states that permits fusion. But actually, fusion is permitted (although sometimes in a restrictive way) in Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Vermont. Also fusion is permitted for president in approximately half the states. Many state anti-fusion laws do not apply to presidential electors. For example, in 2016, Donald Trump was listed on the ballot in California as “Donald J. Trump, Republican, American Independent.” Thanks to Steve Kamp for the link.

Washington Legislature Passes Bill Moving Presidential Primary from May to March

On March 4, Washington HB 5273 passed the House by 54-42. It had already passed the Senate. It moves the presidential primary from May to March. It also gives the parties that hold presidential primaries a list of all the voters who choose that party’s presidential primary ballot. Thanks to Steve Kamp for this news.

New York Democratic State Committee Resolves to Work to Eliminate Fusion

On March 4, the New York State Democratic Committee passed a resolution in opposition to fusion. Now the party is expected to try to persuade the legislature to ban fusion. See this story. Thanks to Joe Burns for the link.

UPDATE: also see this article, which has more detail and reveals that approximately 80% of the vote was against fusion.

North Carolina Sets Dates for U.S. House Election, 9th District

On March 4, the North Carolina State Board of Elections set dates for the re-do of the U.S. House of Representatives election for the 9th district. The primary will be May 14. If any party needs a run-off primary, the run-off primary will be September 10, and the election will be November 5. If no party needs a run-off primary, then the election will be September 10.

These dates are not identical to the dates for the special election for the 3rd district. Those dates are April 30, July 9, and September 10.