On March 5, the Washington legislature passed SB 6058, which sets up a procedure for write-in candidates to file a write-in declaration of candidacy. The declaration must be filed by 18 days before the election. The bill lets write-in candidates file afterwards if they pay the filing fee for that office.

Unfortunately, the bill does not say that write-in votes for declared write-in candidates must be counted. But assuming this bill is signed into law, it is somewhat likely that a court could order that such votes be counted. The U.S. Supreme Court long ago said the U.S. Constitution protects the right of every voter to have his or her valid vote counted. Thanks to Jim Riley for the news about the bill.

On March 5, the Maryland Senate passed SB 256. It blocks presidential and vice-presidential candidates from appearing on the November ballot if either has failed to reveal federal income tax returns. Write-in candidates are exempt. The vote was 28-17. Four Democrats and all Republicans voted against the bill. Now it goes to the House. Thanks to Political Wire for the news.

On March 2, Utah Representative Mike McKell (R-Spanish Fork) introduced HB 485. It would forbid a qualified party from changing its bylaws relative to who can run in its primary, during an election year. On March 5, it passed the House Business & Labor Committee by 9-3. The Utah legislature adjourns Thursday, March 8.

The bill was prompted by the recent state Republican Party rule that said any candidate who petitions to run in a Republican primary shall be expelled from the party.