The Libertarian Party has been a qualified minor party in Wyoming continuously since 1994, except that between 2002 and 2004, it was a qualified major party. Major parties nominate by primary; minor parties nominate by convention. A “major party” is one that polls 10% for certain statewide races. One of the qualifying posts is Secretary of State. This year, as in 2002, the Democrats aren’t running anyone for Wyoming Secretary of State. Therefore, as in 2002, it is again very likely that the Libertarian running for Secretary of State will poll over 10%, giving the party its own primary in 2008.

On October 18, the Florida Democratic Party won a court order, preventing Florida elections officials from posting notices in each polling place that a vote for former Republican nominee Mark Foley (in the 16th US House district) is really a vote for Joe Negron. The case is Thurman v Cobb, Leon Co. circuit court 2006-ca-2619. The Secretary of State will appeal. The judge said that if the legislature had intended for such notices to be posted, it would have said so in the law.

On October 17, Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist told the Miami Herald editorial board that he has changed his position on whether ex-felons should be able to register to vote, and he now favors voting rights for ex-felons. 30% of all African-American adult males in Florida are unable to register to vote because of the existing ban. Crist said he had changed his opinion after being repeatedly asked about the issue during the campaign. He is currently Attorney General of Florida.