On February 5, Capitol Weekly/Probolsky Research Poll released a poll on whether Californians would vote for a “top-two” primary system. The idea received support from 49% of the voters, with 35% opposed and the rest undecided. See here for the details.

The specific “top-two” proposal that may appear on a future California ballot is limited to state office, not Congress. The idea is pending in the legislature as ACA 6, a proposed state constitutional amendment sponsored by Assemblymember Charles Calderon. Because it changes the California Constitution, even if the legislature passes it, it would then go to a vote of the people. Or, it could be a constitutional initiative.

On February 6, the Utah House Government Operations Committee passed SB 27. It had passed the Senate on January 30. It makes two small but useful changes to procedures for independent presidential candidates. It restores the statutory petition deadline that had been accidentally repealed in 1994, and sets that deadline as August 15. Also, it ends Utah’s unique requirements that independent presidential candidates must file in person. Gloria La Riva, presidential candidate last year of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, had complained about being forced to make a special trip to Utah just to file. The bill says an independent presidential candidate may choose an agent to file the paperwork.

On February 4, the Arkansas House Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs passed HB 1339, the bill to establish the National Popular Vote Plan. The vote was 12-6. All Democrats on the Committee, and one Republican, voted in favor.