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California State Court Clarifies that Cumulative Voting is Permitted for California Cities

Posted on October 23, 2014 by adminOctober 23, 2014

On October 21, a Superior Court in Los Angeles County confirmed that California cities may use cumulative voting for their own elections. Santa Clarita had already agreed to use cumulative voting, but it had asked for a court ruling explicitly saying that cities may choose cumulative voting. Cumulative voting, for elections in which there are several winners, permits voters to cast either one vote for several candidates (typically three), or to give two votes, or even three votes, to a single candidate. See this story.

Burlington, Vermont Voters Will Vote on an Advisory Measure on Letting Resident Non-Citizens Vote in Local Elections

Posted on October 23, 2014 by adminOctober 23, 2014

In its March 2015 municipal election, Burlington, Vermont voters will vote on an advisory measure on whether resident non-citizens should be allowed to vote in local and school elections. See this story. Even if the measure passes, policy will not change. To allow the idea would require changing the Vermont State Constitution. Thanks to Electionline for the link.

New York Times Editorial Writer Explores Whether Polarization is Caused by Campaign Finance Laws that Hobble Parties

Posted on October 23, 2014 by adminOctober 23, 2014

Thomas B. Edsall has this on-line New York Times column, exploring the political science research on the relationship between polarization, and strict campaign finance laws that hobble political parties. Thanks to the Center for Competitive Politics for the link.

New York Times Describes Gubernatorial Debate of October 22

Posted on October 23, 2014 by adminOctober 23, 2014

Here is the New York Times story about the New York gubernatorial debate of October 22, which included the nominees of the Democratic, Republican, Green, and Libertarian Parties

Evan Falchuk Sues to Regain Spot in Massachusetts Gubernatorial Debate of October 27

Posted on October 22, 2014 by adminOctober 22, 2014

On October 22, Evan Falchuk, gubernatorial nominee of the United Independent Party of Massachusetts, filed a lawsuit in state court, seeking to regain his invitation to the October 27 debate. See this story. The basis for the lawsuit is breach of contract.