On March 13, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard signed HB 1034. It changes the vote test for a party to remain on the ballot. The old law requires a vote of 2.5% for Governor. The new law requires 2.5% for any statewide race.

The only parties on the ballot in 2016 in South Dakota were Republican, Democratic, Libertarian and Constitution. All four of them met this new requirement. The Libertarian Party polled 5.6% for President, and the Constitution Party polled 4.95% for Public Service Commission.

The old vote test had to be met every four years, and the new requirement means parties must pass the vote test every two years. Superficially, then, that is more difficult. But in reality, there are always enough statewide offices on the South Dakota ballot every election year that the change makes it easier, not more difficult, for a party to remain on.

On May 4, the Oklahoma Senate rejected House amendments to SB 323. That is the bill to increase candidate filing fees. Generally the bill doubles them. Although the bill has passed both houses of the legislature, the versions in each house differ from each other. Because the Senate rejected the House version, the bill must now go to a conference committee. In Oklahoma, often when that happens, time runs out and the bill doesn’t pass.

The vote to reject the House amendments was 20-24. The bill’s sponsor is seeking reconsideration in the Senate. Thanks to E. Zachary Knight for this news.

If SB 323 passes and is signed, the procedure for independent presidential candidates will be harmed. SB 145, which has already passed the legislature, sets a filing fee of $17,500 for independent presidential candidates, and the presidential nominees of unqualified parties, who don’t submit a petition. But if SB 323 becomes law, that amount will be $35,000.

Another bill concerning filing fees, HB 1564, has also passed both houses, but the two versions are very different, so it is going to a conference committee also. The Senate version of HB 1564 raises fees, but the House version doesn’t. Thanks to Chris Powell for the news about HB 1564.

On May 4, the California Senate passed SB 568 by 32-6. It moves the primary for all office (in presidential years) from June to March. It allows the Governor to set a primary date that is even earlier than March.

The six “No” votes were all cast by Republicans: Patricia Bates, Jean Fuller, John Moorlach, Mike Morrell, Janet Nguyen, and Andy Vidak.