There are substantially more independent candidates for state legislature on ballots around the nation this year than in past years.  There are 304 independent candidates for the legislature on ballots in the 45 states that are holding partisan legislative elections this year.  By contrast, there were 183 in 2008, 148 in 2006, 160 in 2004, and 188 in 2002.

This tally does not include minor party candidates.  There are 611 minor party candidates for the legislature on state ballots this year.

In 36.1% of all state legislative elections this year, there is either no Republican nominee, or no Democratic nominee.  This lack of competition from the major parties is normal for U.S. state legislative elections.

Guam is having trouble with its election for Delegate to Congress this year, because it still hasn’t mailed its overseas absentee ballots.  However, there is only one candidate on the ballot for that office, although Guam does have write-in space on ballots.  See this story.

The federal law that tells states and other jurisdictions that they must mail their overseas absentee ballots at least 45 days before the election only relates to elections for federal office.

On September 9, U.S. District Court judge Richard Seeborg upheld San Francisco’s method of Instant-Runoff Voting for city elections.  Opponents had filed a lawsuit earlier in the year alleging that it violates the rights of voters, because they are limited to only three choices.  The lawsuit is Dudum v City and County, 10-00504, northern district.  The IRV opponents need not decide whether to appeal until October 9.  The opponents indicate they haven’t decided yet whether to appeal.  The 28-page decision of the U.S. District Court is here.