Kristin Olsen, a Vice-Chair of the California Republican Party and the Party’s Former Leader in the Assembly, Says Party Isn’t Viable

On November 9, Kristin Olsen, a vice-chair of the California Republican Party, and the leader of her party in the Assembly prior to the 2016 election, said in a public forum, “California Republicans aren’t a viable second party.” See this story.

UPDATE: on November 15, she published an article in Cal Matters, which the San Francisco Chronicle also carried. It can be read here, and it says, “It may be time for a third party.”

Two U.S. District Court Judges Grant Particular Kinds of Relief to Georgia Voters

On November 13, U.S. District Court Judge Leigh May issued an injunction, allowing provisional ballots to be counted even though the voter omitted the year of birth. The order applies to Gwinnett County, which had been rejecting such ballots. Martin v Crittenden, n.d., 1:18cv-4776.

On November 12, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Totenberg issued an injunction, allowing more time for provisional voters to return to the elections office and validate their provisional ballots by showing I.D. Common Cause of Georgia v Kemp, 1:18cv-5102. This case had not been filed until November 5. Thanks to Rick Hasen for news about both of these decisions.

Republican Congressman from Maine Files Federal Lawsuit to Enjoin Ranked Choice Voting

On November 13, Republican Congressman Bruce Poliquin and some voters in his district filed a federal lawsuit to enjoin the use of ranked choice voting in last week’s election. Baber v Dunlap, 1:18cv-465. The case is assigned to Judge Lance E. Walker, a Trump appointee. Here is the 25-page complaint.

The first choice vote count shows that Poliquin has 2,000 more votes than his Democratic opponent, Jared Golden. However, 8% of the voters used their first choice votes to support one of the two independent candidates in the race. When the ranked choice process counts the next round, virtually everyone expects Golden will win. Golden has already asked to intervene in the case. Thanks to Political Wire for this news.

Georgia Will Hold December Run-Off for Secretary of State and Public Service Commissioner

Georgia requires a runoff after a general election, if no one got 50%. According to the unofficial election returns, Georgia will need a runoff in December for Secretary of State and Public Service Commissioner 3. See the election returns here. The presence of Libertarian candidates prevented anyone from getting 50%.

In the Secretary of State race, the results now are: Republican 49.13%; Democratic 48.64%; Libertarian 2.23%.

For Public Service Commission seat three: Republican 49.74%; Democratic 47.60%; Libertarian 2.66%.