In Massachusetts, H77 reduces the number of signatures for minor party and independent presidential candidates from 10,000 to 5,000 signatures; it also eases the burden on submitting such petitions. Also in Massachusetts, H119 makes it easier for a party to remain on the ballot. Currently it must poll 3% for a statewide office in every election. The bill would provide that it only needs to fulfil this vote test every other election. If passed, it would restore the Green and Libertarian Parties to the Massachusetts ballot.

In Texas, HB 1721 would let primary voters sign the petition of a new party or independent candidate. Texas is the only state that won’t let primary voters sign a petition for a new party.

The US Supreme Court will probably provide a clue on March 21, as to whether it is interested in Nader’s Texas appeal. Chances are the Court will either reject Nader’s appeal that day, or will ask Texas to submit a brief. One issue is whether a state can force an independent presidential candidate to collect substantially more signatures than are needed for either an entire new party, or an independent candidate for other statewide office. The other issue is whether a state can force an independent presidential candidate to submit a petition two weeks before a new party petition is due. This is a very strong case.

On February 24, the plaintiffs in the San Diego write-in lawsuit filed a notice of appeal to the California State Court of Appeals. Lawrence v Murphy. The issue is whether all of write-in votes cast for Donna Frye should be counted. The lower court had said write-ins could not be counted if the voter didn’t fill in the oval on the write-in line.