In November 2014, two new parties got on the New York ballot. The Women’s Equality Party was set up by Democrats and it cross-nominated Democratic nominees. The Stop Common Core Party was set up by Republicans and it cross-nominated Republican nominees. Because both got over 50,000, they earned status as qualified parties at least through 2018.

This article looks at the local 2015 election returns for those two parties. The Stop Common Core Party had changed its name to the Reform Party early this year. Both parties continue their policy of complete loyalty to one of the two major parties. The analysis shows that the Women’s Equality Party line attracts more voters than the Reform Party line.

The Maine Secretary of State will say on or before November 18 whether the initiative for statewide instant runoff voting has enough valid signatures. If it does, it will be on the November 2016 ballot.

This story says Republicans in Utah who want to run for office are uncertain as to whether they should petition onto the June 2016 primary ballot, or instead seek to win a caucus endorsement. Many want a special session of the legislature to settle the matter; others look to state courts.