Counterpunch has this commentary by Scott McLarty of the Green Party. McLarty argues that the decline of parties of the left in the last part of the 20th century and so far in this century is the reason the left is in a weaker position today than it was in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
On June 15, the U.S. Supreme Court released three opinions, but did not release any opinions relating to election law or the First Amendment. The only two remaining days for U.S. Supreme Court decisions for this term are June 22 and June 29. UPDATE: there will also probably be decisions on Thursday, June 18. Thanks to Thomas Jones for that update.
The Libertarian Party filed a federal lawsuit over the Kentucky U.S. Senate debate on September 28, 2014, called Libertarian National Committee v Holliday, eastern district, 3:14cv-63. Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove denied injunctive relief, and the Libertarian U.S. Senate nominee, David Patterson, was barred from all debates.
The case is still alive. Patterson and his party charge that the debate sponsors changed the rules on which candidates should be invited. When it appeared Patterson might qualify, the debate sponsors said no one could be invited who had not raised at least $100,000 and was at 10% in the polls. Patterson and the party requested permission to file an amended complaint back on November 6, 2014, and the judge still has not ruled on whether the amended complaint can be filed. The amended complaint contains new information that had not come out when the original complaint had been filed. It also asks for a jury trial.
The Iowa legislature adjourned June 12. Bills to abolish the straight ticket device, to require a runoff primary in certain cases, to allow voters to register on-line, to require photo ID for voters at the polls, to eliminate same-day registration, to provide for a permanent list of absentee voters, all failed to pass. Virtually the only election law bill that passed is SF 415, which lets the write-in tally be completed the day after the election, instead of on election night. Thanks to Jim Riley and Timothy Reineke for help understanding SF 415.
Ralph Nader has this opinion piece soundly recommending the National Popular Vote Plan for presidential elections.
The only National Popular Vote Plan bill that has made any headway this year is Oregon’s HB 3475. It passed the House on May 18 and has been in the Senate Rules Committee since May 21.
