Missouri will fill the vacant U.S. House seat, 8th district, on June 4, 2013. The four ballot-qualified parties (Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, and Constitution) will choose nominees by party committee or convention. Candidates of unqualified parties and independent candidates must submit a petition due in early April. See this story.
The New York City Board of Elections is considering Instant-Runoff Voting for citywide elective office. See this story. The interest is sparked by the urgent need to find some solution to the problem that existing law requires run-off primaries in certain instances, and yet given the September date for city primaries, there isn’t enough time for a run-off if overseas absentee voters are to participate. Thanks to Michael Drucker for the link.
On January 15, U.S. House members Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and John Yarmuth (D-Kentucky) introduced HB 269, which establishes public funding for U.S. House candidates. The bill does not discriminate for or against any candidate on the basis of partisan affiliation or independent status. It now has 52 co-sponsors. See here the read the bill.
The bill requires candidates to raise at least $50,000, in contributions that range from $5 to $100. At least 1,500 individuals must contribute.
The January 22 San Francisco Chronicle has this essay by two California political scientists, Richard DeLeon and Arend Lijphart. They analyze San Francisco’s Instant Runoff experience and conclude that it has worked well. Thanks to Steve Hill for the link.
The January 22 San Francisco Chronicle has this essay by two California political scientists, Richard DeLeon and Arend Lijphart. They analyze San Francisco’s Instant Runoff experience and conclude that it has worked well. Thanks to Steve Hill for the link.
