Filing has closed in New Jersey. The U.S. Senate November ballot will have five nominees, those of the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Democratic-Republican Parties and an independent candidate who ballot slogan is “Economic Growth.” The Democratic-Republican Party is not allowed to use its name on the ballot, and is listed as the “D-R Party.” Its platform is somewhat similar to the Reform Party’s platform.

For the U.S. House races, there are five districts in which the D-R Party has nominees; two Libertarians; one Green; and 17 independents, with a possibility that a lawsuit will increase that number.

There is also a special election in the First Congressional District, with no Republican nominee. In that race, a Democrat is opposed by a nominee of the D-R Party and two independents. Here is a link to the Election Division’s web page, showing the candidates.

According to this story, one of the Oregon initiatives for a top-two system has collected 145,000 signatures, so it is very likely to qualify. It needs 87,213 valid signatures by July 3.

The initiative that is qualifying is the same form of top-two that is used in Washington and California. Its backers have raised $413,000. The initiative that is likely to qualify is not the alternate initiative that uses approval voting in the primary. Thanks to several readers for the link.

Florida filing for state office closed on June 20. In the 13th State House district, only one candidate, the incumbent, Reggie Fullwood, attempted to file. Because his Financial Disclosure statement is not properly notarized, the filing is defective. See this story.

Florida requires declared write-in candidates to file on the same day that candidates qualify for the primary and general election ballot, so it is too late for anyone to file as a write-in. Therefore, Florida will be required to hold a special election to fill the seat for the 2015-2016 legislative session. The district is in Jacksonville. Fullwood is a Democrat. Thanks to Austin Cassidy for the link.