Texas law lets political parties set their own ballot access barriers for presidential primaries. For 2016, the Democratic rules let anyone on the ballot who pays $2,500. The Republican rules let anyone on who pays $5,000. See this story. Texas has been holding presidential primaries in every year starting in 1980. Democrats have always allowed qualification by fee. Republicans required a petition in the 1980’s but no longer do so.

In 2012, there were nine Republicans on the Texas presidential primary ballot, and four Democrats. The Texas 2012 presidential primary didn’t attract a great deal of attention because it was later than usual. It was held on May 29. Normally Texas primaries are in March, but the 2012 primary was delayed due to redistricting. It is possible the 2016 Texas primary will also be delayed, if federal courts require new districts.

In 2008, there were eleven choices on the Republican ballot and six on the Democratic ballot. The 2008 primary was March 4.

On September 14, a New York state court ruled that the Women’s Equality Party has no valid officers and no valid bylaws, so until that changes, the party can’t nominate anyone for any office this year. The decision is DeLabio v Fronczak, Niagara County Supreme Court, 156792.

New York election law says when a group polls 50,000 votes for Governor and becomes a ballot-qualified party, a majority of its statewide nominees are then empowered to name the party’s temporary officers. But after the November 2014 election, only two of the party’s four statewide nominees acted. All four of the party’s nominees were also the Democratic Party’s nominees. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor signed the paperwork, but the Attorney General and Comptroller nominees did not. The opinion says, therefore, the party has no legitimate officers and therefore no legitimate bylaws. All of its nominees this year are now off the ballot, unless the decision is reversed on appeal. Here is the opinion. Thanks to Mike Drucker for the link.

On September 14, the Florida House of Representatives submitted a proposed U.S. House redistricting plan to a state court judge. Later this month the judge will submit his own recommendations to the Florida Supreme Court. See this story.

UPDATE: also, see this story.