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Election Returns for Missouri Special Election

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Richard WingerApril 8, 2015

On April 7, St. Louis County, Missouri, held a special election for County Commission, 6th district. The vote was: Democrat Kevin O’Leary 53.9%; Republican Tony Pousosa 42.3%; Constitution Party nominee Cynthia Redburn 3.8%. See this story. Redburn would not have been on the ballot but for the fact that the Constitution Party filed a federal lawsuit against the county ordinance that said in special elections, only the nominees of the two parties that polled first and second for Governor could be on the ballot.

Oklahoma Ballot Access Bill in Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday, April 8

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Richard WingerApril 7, 2015

The Oklahoma Senate Rules Committee will discuss HB 2181 on Wednesday, April 8, after the floor session adjourns in the afternoon. HB 2181 is the bill the eases the number of signatures for a newly-qualifying party.

Fairvote Web Page Has World Map Showing What Type of Election System Exists in Each Country

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Richard WingerApril 7, 2015

Fairvote’s web page has this interesting world map, which attempts to show what type of election system is used in each country. The map really can’t show this information for the tiniest countries, but it is still a valuable resource.

Nebraska Legislature Repeals Ban on Paying Circulators on a Per-Signature Basis

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Richard WingerApril 7, 2015

On April 7, the Nebraska Senate unanimously passed LB 367, a bill introduced by Senator Michael Groene of North Platte. The bill repeals the law that makes it illegal to pay initiative circulators on a per-signature basis.

Senator Groene is a freshman, elected in 2014. Before he was elected to the legislature, he was a leader in several initiative petition campaigns. In 2006 he was the lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against several local governments that restricted petitioning on public property. That lawsuit, Groene v Seng, was victorious.

Senator Groene’s web page says his LB 367 was his number one legislative priority this year. Thanks to Kent Bernbeck for this news.

North Dakota Legislature Passes Bill for Special Elections for U.S. Senate Vacancies

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Richard WingerApril 7, 2015

On April 6, the North Dakota Senate passed HB 1181, which requires special elections when a U.S. Senate vacancy occurs. The bill had already passed the House on February 24.