Read the Transcript in Wilding v Democratic National Committee Oral Argument of April 25

Independent Voters Network has a copy of the transcript in Wilding v Democratic National Committee Services, s.d. Fl., 0:16cv-61511. The oral argument was held for three hours on the afternoon of April 25 before U.S. District Court Judge William Zloch, a Reagan appointee. The Democratic National Committee argued that the case should be dismissed. The case had been filed in June 2016 by supporters of Bernie Sanders. Most of them had donated money to the Democratic Party, and they ask for damages, on the grounds that the party broke its own rules that required the party to be neutral between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

At the end of the transcript, one finds a few brief remarks by Judge Zloch. He said, “This is a very interesting case, to say the least…Democracy demands the truth so people can make intelligent decisions.” Early in the transcript, he also admonished some spectators in the courtroom to stop distracting him. He said they were making exaggerated gestures showing support for the plaintiffs and that they should cease doing that.

Texas House Will Vote on Eliminating Straight-Ticket Device on Friday, May 5

The Texas House will vote on HB 25 on Friday, May 5. This is the bill to eliminate the straight-ticket device. Thanks to Jim Riley for this news.

A few days ago, a blog post on this web page said that Iowa Governor Terry Branstad had signed HB 516, which eliminates the device in Iowa. That blog post was incorrect and was removed shortly after it had been posted. It was based on misinformation from the Iowa Governor’s office. Governor Branstad has until the end of May to sign or veto that bill.

Maine Bill to Ease Procedures for Newly-Qualifying Parties

On May 2, the Maine Secretary of State was instrumental in having LD 1571 introduced. It says that newly-qualifying parties may qualify by March of election years if they have 5,000 registered members. Also it says that qualified parties that have at least 5,000 registrants, but fewer than 50,000 registrants, may nominate by convention instead of by primary. The bill will be heard in committee on Monday, May 8.