According to this story, a court in the U.S. Virgin Islands has restored the voter registration of John Yob. He had moved to the Virgin Islands so that he could seek election as a delegate to the Republican National Convention. Virgin Islands election officials had charged that he moved there too late to be a registered voter, but the court disagreed.
On March 10, the Oklahoma Senate passed SB 896. It eases the definition of “political party” from a group that polled 10% for the office at the top of the ballot, to one that polled 2.5% for the office at the top of the ballot. Only one Senator voted “No.” That Senator is Ron Sharp (R-Oklahoma City). He is in his first term.
On March 8, the Vermont House unanimously passed HB 458. It provides that every adult citizen known to state agencies to be a Vermont resident will automatically be registered to vote. Such individuals will be notified that they have been placed on the rolls, and will then be given a chance to opt out. Vermont does not have registration by party, which makes this process simpler than in states that have registration by party.
The bill is sponsored by Representative Christopher Pearson (Progressive-Vermont). Thanks to Electionline for this news. The bill now goes to the Senate. The bill had been introduced an entire year ago.
On March 9, the Maine Libertarian Party filed this reply brief in its ballot access case.
On March 2, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez signed HB 138. It lets 17-year-olds vote in primaries for all office if they will be age 18 by the general election. There are now 16 states that permit this for all office, and 22 who permit it for president. See this Ballotpedia list.
The New Mexico bill does not go into effect this year. Thanks to Doug Carver for this news.
