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Missouri Constitution Party Sues to Overturn Local Law that Says Only the Two Largest Parties Can Nominate in Special County Elections

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Richard WingerJanuary 31, 2015

On January 30, the Missouri Constitution Party filed a federal lawsuit against St. Louis County officials, over a provision in the charter that says only the two largest political parties may nominate a candidate in a special election to fill a seat on the County Council. “Two largest parties” is determined by the vote for Governor at the last gubernatorial election.

The case is Constitution Party of Missouri v St. Louis County, e.d., 4:15cv-207. The case was assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Ronnie White.

The case is somewhat similar to these two cases from twenty years ago: (1) New Alliance Party v North Carolina State Board of Elections, 697 F Supp 904 (e.d. 1991), struck down a North Carolina law that said newly-qualifying parties couldn’t run for partisan county office; (2) A Connecticut Party v Kezer, 2:92cv-550 (decision of August 28, 1992), struck down a Connecticut law that only the two largest parties could run for Justice of the Peace. Thanks to Carla Howell for this news.

California Taxpayers Will Pay Approximately $2,000,000 to Hold a One-Candidate Special State Senate Election

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Richard WingerJanuary 31, 2015

In March, California will hold a special State Senate election in which only one candidate will be on the ballot. This newspaper story says the Los Angeles County part of the district will cost $1,400,000. The district has substantial parts of Los Angeles County and substantial parts of San Bernardino County. The reporter could not get the San Bernardino County estimate, but it will probably be at least half of the Los Angeles County’s costs.

South Dakota Senate Defers Voting on Bill that Makes Ballot Access Worse

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Richard WingerJanuary 30, 2015

On Friday, January 30, the South Dakota Senate put off voting on SB 69, even though it had been placed on the day’s agenda. The bill makes ballot access more difficult both for newly-qualifying parties and independent candidates.

California Pundit Suggests Making Los Angeles City Elections Partisan Instead of Non-Partisan Would Boost Turnout

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Richard WingerJanuary 30, 2015

Joe Mathews, who studies California politics and government, here suggests that low turnout in Los Angeles city elections might be increased if the city had partisan elections for city office. Los Angeles, and all California cities and counties, have non-partisan elections for their own officers.

South Dakota Bill Making Ballot Access Worse Set for Floor Vote on Friday, January 30

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Richard WingerJanuary 30, 2015

The South Dakota Senate convenes at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 30. On the agenda is SB 69, which makes ballot access worse, both for newly-qualifying parties and independent candidates.