On January 24, U.S. District Court Judge Catherine Eagles heard North Carolina Democratic Party v Berger, m.d., 1:17cv-1113. Here is a news story about the three-hour argument. The issue is whether North Carolina is violating the U.S. Constitution by holding partisan judicial elections, but not giving any means for a party to nominate judicial candidates.
On January 24, the South Dakota House State Affairs Committee passed HB 1012. It makes it easier for a party to stay on the ballot. It amends the vote test to remain on, so that it only needs to be met every four years.
Also, on January 23, the Senate passed SB 79 by 24-10. It lets independent voters sign a primary petition. Current law says only party members can sign such primary petitions.
Late on Tuesday, January 23, the Alabama House passed HB 17. It eliminates special elections for U.S. Senate, except for special elections held in November of even-numbered years. If this bill had been in effect last year, there would have been no recent special election for U.S. Senate to replace Jeff Sessions. Instead, gubernatorial appointee Luther Strange would have remained in office until November 2018. Thanks to Rick Lass for this news. Here is the roll call.
On January 11, the Kentucky Senate passed SB 4 by 24-11. It moves elections for statewide state office, including Governor, from the odd year before a presidential election, to presidential election years. All Republicans voted “yes” and all Democrats voted “no.” Democrats believe that if the state officers are elected in presidential years, that will help Republican candidates for statewide state office.
The bill now goes to the House. Because it changes the state constitution, it needs 60 votes. The House has 64 Republicans and 36 Democrats.
On January 22, the West Virginia House passed HB 4002 by a vote of 72-25. It requires that all members of the House be elected from single-member districts. Currently there are eleven House districts that elect two members; six districts that elect three; two districts that elect four; and one district that elects five members.
The bill is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
