On April 4, the Michigan Democratic State Executive Committee decided not to try a presidential caucus, or a party-run mail-in presidential primary, this year. Michigan elections officials had held a presidential primary in January that, under Democratic Party national rules, was too early, so the national party rules eliminated Michigan delegates this year. The Michigan delegates could still have been seated if the party had managed to find a “legal” way to choose them, but the state party has now given up. Thanks to Thomas Jones for this news.

On April 3, the Green Party and the Independent Party both turned in petitions for the purpose of being qualified parties in Hawaii. Hawaii requires 663 signatures. The Independent Party, composed of Ralph Nader supporters, turned in approximately 2,100. The Green Party turned in approximately 1,500.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, uses partisan city elections. On April 1, an Independent candidate, David Patrick, was elected to the City Council from district 3. He defeated the incumbent Democrat, Roscoe Turner, by a 55%-45% margin.

Independent candidate ballot access in Oklahoma (for all office except president) is very easy. No petition is needed; the independent merely pays the filing fee and is placed on the general election. However, it is very rare for independent candidates to win elections in Oklahoma. The state uses a “straight-ticket” device, which always hurts independent candidates. David Patrick had run for the city council in the past as a Democrat, but this time he felt he was more likely to win a general election, than a Democratic primary, and his strategy worked. No Republican was in the race. Thanks to Jim Linger for the news.