St. Louis held partisan elections on April 5 for city offices. In the 24th ward, independent Scott Ogilvie defeated Democratic nominee Tom Bauer, 61.5% to 37.6%. Ogilvie is a 30-year old who describes himself as “more progressive” than the Democratic nominee, and who is an avid bicyclist. See this interview with Ogilvie, written several weeks before the election. Ogilvie is fortunate that Missouri abolished the straight-ticket device some years ago.

On March 29, the California Assembly Elections Committee passed AB 651, by a vote of 5-2. All Democrats on the committee voted for the bill and all Republicans voted against. The bill requires circulators who are paid to circulate an initiative, referendum or recall petition to wear a badge. The badge must identify the employer and must be in type that is at least 30-point. The bill’s authors are Assemblyman Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) and Senator Juan Vargas (D-San Diego).

The bill also requires individuals or organizations who pay people to get an initiative on the ballot to register with the Secretary of State annually, and pay a fee, and identify all owners, partners, and officers of the organization. The bill also requires employers to give the Secretary of State a copy of any instructions to employees.

It is peculiar that so many bills like this only attempt to regulate circulators who work on initiatives, referenda, and recalls, and not petitions to place parties or candidates on the ballot.