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New Kansas Registration Data

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Richard WingerJuly 27, 2017

As of July 26, here are the number of registered voters in Kansas: Republican 786,719; Democratic 428,381; Libertarian 15,473; independent 529,702. These figures are from the Secretary of State’s office, but they are not on his web page. There are no voters registered in any other parties. The Kansas voter registration form does not have a blank line letting people register into an unqualified party. Note the party affiliation area of this Kansas voter registration form.

The percentages are: Republican 44.69%; Democratic 24.34%; Libertarian .88%; independent 30.09%.

In November 2016, the percentages were: Republican 46.03%; Democratic 24.65%; Libertarian .83%; independent 28.49%.

Proponents of California Independence Begin New Initiative Petition Drive

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Richard WingerJuly 26, 2017

On July 26, the California government cleared the way for proponents of independence for California to begin circulating their new initiative petition. If it gets on the ballot, the ballot would say, “California Autonomy from Federal Government. Repeals provision in California Constitution stating California is an inseparable part of the United States. Directs Governor, in consultation with those members of Congress who represent California, to negotiate continually greater autonomy from federal government, up to and including agreement establishing California as a fully independent country, provided voters agree to revise the California Constitution. Creates new state commission to research and make recommendations on ways of increasing California’s autonomy and independence.”

The initiative needs 585,407 valid signatures in the next six months.

Roll Call Lengthy Essay on Partisan Gerrymandering and the U.S. Supreme Court

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Richard WingerJuly 26, 2017

Roll Call has this essay on partisan gerrymandering and the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court argument in Gill v Whitford, the Wisconsin legislative districts lawsuit. It will be argued October 3.

Federal Election Commission Files Brief in Debates Case

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Richard WingerJuly 26, 2017

On July 25, the Federal Elections Commission filed this 27-page brief in Level the Playing Field v FEC, U.S. District Court, D.C., 1-15cv-1397. The FEC hopes to persuade the judge to dismiss the case without any additional fact-finding or discovery.

U.S. District Court Limits Number of Signatures Montana Can Require in Future Special Elections

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Richard WingerJuly 25, 2017

On July 25, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris issued a permanent injunction, limiting the number of signatures Montana can require in special congressional elections to 80 per each day in the petitioning period. The injuntion will be in effect until or unless the legislature alters it.

The same judge had already limited the number of signatures in the special election held earlier in Montana, to 400 signatures. The case is Breck v Stapleton, 9:17cv-36. It covers both independent candidates and the nominees of unqualified parties. The state agreed to this action and will not appeal.