The Burlington Free Press of March 25 editorializes against against SB 108, which implements Instant-Runoff Voting for both Houses of Congress. See the editorial here.

The editorial pokes fun at the bill because it only applies to congressional races. The editorial points out that it is rare for anyone to fail to get a majority for Congress in Vermont anyway. Of course, the reason the bill is limited to Congress is (1) it is easier to implement something new if it is limited; (2) changing to IRV for statewide state office would probably require changing the Vermont Constitution. The editorial doesn’t mention either of these points.

On March 24, the Democratic National Committee voted to approve Puerto Rico’s Democratic presidential primary, which will be held June 1, a Sunday. Puerto Rico has used caucuses for the last 20 years, but Puerto Rico Democrats felt that this year’s Democratic contest is of such intense interest, the normal caucus procedure would not work well. Thanks to Thomas Jones for this news.

Back on February 1, a U.S. District Court in Oregon had ruled that signers of initiative or referendum petitions do not have a due process right to have their signatures counted. Plaintiffs have filed an appeal with the 9th circuit. The case is Lemons v Bradbury, 08-35209.