On April 19, U.S. District Court Judge Joanna Seybert, a Clinton appointee, held a hearing in Campanello v New York State Board of Elections, e.d., 2:16cv-1892. The case had been filed the day before on behalf of some voters whose registration records were faulty. In some cases the applicant’s voter registration had vanished; in other cases, voters had their party switched without their knowledge or consent. The plaintiffs wanted a court order letting the plaintiffs and similarly-situated voters correct the problems. Also the plaintiffs wanted an injunction letting any independent voter choose either a Democratic or a Republican primary ballot today.

The judge did not issue injunctive relief, but she keep the case alive, and in the next hearing, a representative of each county Board of Elections must defend its registration records. See this story. When the case resumes, it will be before a different U.S. District Court Judge, Judge Sandra Feuerstein, a Bush, Jr. appointee. An amended complaint is due April 26, and briefs on both sides are due by April 29.

On April 18, an Alaska state court ruled against the Alaska Democratic Party in its lawsuit Alaska Democratic Party v State, 1-ju-16-533. The party filed the lawsuit to win the right to let independents run in its primary for a party nomination. But the state party hasn’t actually yet changed its bylaws to allow independents to run for its nomination. So, the judge ruled the case is not ripe. See this story. The party will probably re-file the lawsuit after its state convention updates its bylaws. Thanks to Scott Kohlhaas for the link.

Fairvote and Congressman Don Beyer (D-Virginia) are holding a public hearing inside the U.S. Capitol on Friday, April 22, in the congressional hearing room at 2318 Rayburn Building. The subject is congressional gerrymandering and what can be done to limit it. The public is invited. The hearing room holds 100 people. Probably no advance reservation is required, but if you wish to attend and wish to guarantee yourself a seat, call Fairvote at 301-270-4616 and ask for Michelle. The meeting is 10 a.m. and lasts one hour.

Congressman Beyer is in his first term and represents the 8th district, adjacent to Washington, D.C.