On August 4, the Libertarian and Constitution Parties of South Dakota filed their final brief in Libertarian Party of South Dakota v Krebs, the case that challenges the March 29 petition deadline for newly-qualifying parties that want to run for any or all partisan offices. A decision is expected within two weeks, because a decision is needed to determine of the Constitution Party’s nominees for U.S. Senate and state legislature can get on the November ballot.
CNN has held two Town Hall shows featuring the Libertarian Party national ticket. On August 3, CNN said it will also hold one for the Green Party ticket, on August 17.
On August 4, Kent Bernbeck filed for reconsideration in Bernbeck v Gale, the case over Nebraska’s county distribution requirement for statewide initiatives. The Eighth Circuit had voted 2-1 on July 14 that he doesn’t have standing. But, as the petition for rehearing shows, Bernbeck’s original complaint had said he is a voter, and the Eighth Circuit already ruled in the past that a voter has standing to challenge a ballot access restriction.
The publication of the International Socialist Organization, called Socialist Worker (not to be confused with the Socialist Workers Party) describes how the ISO helped Jill Stein get the needed signatures to get on the Vermont ballot.
On August 3, the California Assembly Appropriations Committee passed SB 1288. The bill allows all California cities and counties, not just charter cities and counties, to use instant-runoff for their own elections if they wish. The bill now goes to the Assembly floor.
