Ever since 2001, each California qualified party has made a decision as to whether to let independent voters vote in its primaries. But in the past, these decisions were barely publicized. However, the recent decisions by California’s six qualified parties on whether to let independents vote in their presidential primaries has received publicity. For example, see this story, which, like the other stories, explains that three parties will let independents vote in their presidential primaries, and the other three won’t.

New York State holds presidential primaries in April. Here are the rules for ballot access. The Republicans have one plan, and the Democrats have another plan. Republican candidates need not petition. Democrats need 5,000 signatures. The State Board of Elections says any other qualified party may have a presidential primary, and is free to choose either the Republican plan or the Democratic plan.

Nebraska State Senator John Murante (R-Gretna) has introduced LB 879. It would require independent candidates to collect the signatures of 10% of all registered voters. Statewide independents would need 115,885 valid signatures, based on the 2015 registration total of 1,158,842.

Existing law requires 2,500 signatures for independent presidential candidates, and 4,000 for statewide independent candidates for other office. The bill would be unconstitutional if signed into law. The U.S. Supreme Court has put a ceiling of 5% of the eligible signers on ballot access for candidates and newly-qualifying parties.

It is not known why Senator Murante introduced this bill. In 2014 there were no independent candidates for Governor of Nebraska, and there were two independent candidates for U.S. Senate.