Eight Ohio State Senators have introduced SB 43, to simplify ballot access for presidential candidates running in presidential primaries. Under current law, such presidential candidates must submit the names of a large number of candidates for Delegate to the national convention, when they qualify for the presidential primary ballot. The bill would delete the need for presidential candidates to submit such lists. As under current law, presidential primary candidates would continue to either submit 1,000 signatures, or be qualified for primary season matching funds. The bill’s sponsors include seven Democrats and one Republican. The delegates would be chosen according to party bylaws.

The Washington Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections will hold a hearing on Thursday, February 19, on SB 5681. That is the Secretary of State’s bill changing the definition of qualified party from one that polled 5% for a statewide nominee, to one that polled 1% for President. Also it defines an unqualified party to be a group that submits a petition of 100 signatures. If the bill passes, candidates will not be able to put a statement on the ballot that they “prefer” any imaginary political party. Instead they will only be able to choose the name of a group that is either a qualified party or a group that has submitted 100 signatures that year.

Joseph Hall’s blog has this interesting description of how California will choose the citizens who will draw state legislative districts after the 2010 census. The procedure gives a meaningful role to voters who are registered outside of the Democratic and Republican Parties. Thanks to Rick Hasen for the link.