New York Republicans Consider Having Congressman Chris Collins Appointed Town Clerk of Eden, in Order to Remove Him from the Ballot

Posted on by August 23, 2018
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New York U.S. House member Chris Collins, Republican representing the 27th district, was indicted recently and does not wish to run for re-election, even though he won the Republican nomination in the June 26 congressional primary. He can get off the November ballot, and let his party replace him, if he accepts another elected position. Republican leaders are considering having him appointed town clerk, or perhaps town assessor, of Eden. However, elected officials of Eden do not like that idea. See this story. Collins does not live in Eden. It is in Erie County and has a population of 7,688.

UPDATE: see this story, which says Eden residents are holding street protests to stop the Collins candidacy.

Washington State Won’t Know Who is on Ballot for U.S. House, 2nd District, Until September

Posted on by August 23, 2018
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Washington state’s top-two primary on August 7, for the 2nd U.S. House district, was so close, that there will be a recount. It will be conducted the week of September 3-7.

Here is a link to the election returns. The obvious first place finisher is incumbent Democrat Rick Larson. The second place finisher after the original count is the Libertarian, Brian Luke, who leads independent Gary Franco by 51 votes.

Colorado Files Brief in Case Over Whether Presidential Electors May Vote Freely or Not

Posted on by August 23, 2018
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On August 22, Colorado filed this reply brief in Baca v Williams, 18-1173. This is the case over whether presidential electors can vote freely in the electoral college, or whether they should be considered to have resigned if they vote for someone other than the presidential candidate who received the most popular votes. The presidential elector plaintiffs now have one more brief, which will be filed in a few weeks, and then the case will be ready for a decision.

Eleventh Circuit Expands Free Speech in Public Park to Include Sharing Free Food

Posted on by August 22, 2018
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On August 22, the Eleventh Circuit issued this opinion in Fort Lauderdale Food Not Bombs v City of Fort Lauderdate, 16-16808. The issue was a city ordinance that curtailed the activity of the organization. It regularly serves free food in a social setting, to express its viewpoint that “society can end hunger and poverty if we redirect our collective resources from the military and war.” The U.S. District Court had ruled that this is not free speech activity, but the Eleventh Circuit said it is.

Although this is not an election law case, it illustrates the robust protection for free speech activity in public parks. That issue is related to election law because so many parties and candidates must circulate petitions, and access to public parks and similar government property is so important for successful petitioning.

Independent Wins Alaska Democratic Primary for U.S. House

Posted on by August 22, 2018
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Alaska held its primaries on August 22. Alyse Galvin, a registered independent, defeated three opponents to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. House. See this story. Because she is the Democratic nominee, her label on the November ballot will be “Democrat”.

Here is a link to the primary election returns. In Alaska, there is a Republican primary ballot. Also there is a blanket primary ballot used by the Democratic, Libertarian, and Alaskan Independence Parties. Any voter can choose the primary ballot. Only registered Republicans and registered independents may choose a Republican primary ballot.