On May 1, the Hawaii Senate overrode Governor Linda Lingle’s veto of SB 1956. That is the National Popular Vote bill for presidential elections. If the House also overrides her veto, the bill will pass. Of course, no National Popular Vote bill takes effect, in any state, until states comprising a majority of the electoral college have approved the plan. So far, only Maryland has done so.
On May 1, the Hawaii Senate overrode Governor Linda Lingle’s veto of SB 1956. That is the National Popular Vote bill for presidential elections. If the House also overrides her veto, the bill will pass. Of course, no National Popular Vote bill takes effect, in any state, until states comprising a majority of the electoral college have approved the plan. So far, only Maryland has done so.
On May 1, the Election Assistance Commission approved using federal dollars to help states replace vote-counting machines that don’t leave a paper trail. The federal 2002 act called “Help America Vote Act” authorized federal money to the states to replace punchcard vote systems and old-fashioned mechanical voting machines. Until the EAC’s vote, it had not been clear if states could also use this money to replace electronic vote-counting machines that don’t leave a paper trail. The decision had been sought by the state of Florida. The EAC’s action makes it more likely that the Florida legislature will now pass the bill outlawing paperless machines.
Doug Stanhope, who had been planning to announce that he is seeking the Libertarian presidential nomination, dropped out on May 1. He is a professional comedian. He said, “Federal Election Commission rules would not allow me to campaign at paid gigs while also retaining a personal income from those shows.”
Of course, he shouldn’t criticize the Federal Election Commission for the laws; he should criticize Congress.
On May 1, Ron Paul paid the $25,000 filing fee needed to get in the Republican Party of South Carolina’s presidential primary. The fee is so high because the party pays for the administration of that primary. Paul was the fourth candidate to pay it. Earlier, Sam Brownback, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain had paid it. Those who don’t pay the filing fee this month will not be invited into the 2nd Republican presidential debate. That debate is hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party and FOX Network. It is set for May 15.
