California Legislature Passes Bill for Same-Day Registration, Effective 2016

On August 27, the California Assembly passed AB 1436, the bill to permit voters to register on election day, starting in 2016. Voters who register on election day will be required to visit a county elections office; they can’t register at the polls. The bill had passed the Senate on August 23 and had to be re-passed by the Assembly. The bill is now on its way to the Governor.

Michigan Still Doesn’t Know if Four Particular Statewide Initiatives Will be on November Ballot

Litigation has commenced in Michigan over whether three particular statewide initiatives will be on the ballot. See this article. Also, a fourth initiative is on the ballot currently, but foes are seeking a ruling from the State Supreme Court to remove it from the ballot. Thanks to Thomas Jones for the link.

Virginia Appeals U.S. District Court Decision that Invalidated Ban on Out-of-State Circulators

The Virginia State Board of Elections is asking the 4th circuit to reinstate the Virginia law that makes it illegal for out-of-state petitioners to work in Virginia. In the 4th circuit, the case is Libertarian Party of Virginia v Judd, 12-1996. In the meantime, the ban is not in effect. Virginia had asked U.S. District Court Judge John Gibney to stay his own opinion, but he refused. He wrote, “The Defendants have not demonstrated even the slightest amount of irreparable injury if the residency restriction is not in effect for the fall elections.”