Indiana State Senator Tim Lanane, Democratic leader in that body, has introduced SB 296, to move the primary from May 6 to March 6. The bill would not have any effect on independent or minor party candidate petition deadlines.
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Two bills have been introduced in the Texas legislature to move the primary (for all office, not just president) from early March, to early February. They are HB 993 and HB 996. Although all their co-sponsors are Democrats, Republican legislative leaders have said they support the idea behind the bills.
HB 993 was introduced on January 30, and HB 996 was introduced on January 31. Both bills move the petition deadline for new parties from May to April. If the bills pass with this characteristic, there would probably be new legal challenges to this deadline. Deadlines concerning minor party and independent presidential candidates are unconstitutional if they are very early.
On February 13, the California Senate passed SB 113 by 31-5. This bill moves the California presidential primary to February 5. Existing law has the California presidential primary in June. The bill would leave the primary for office other than president in June.
This bill has moved with amazing speed. It was introduced January 22. Normally bills cannot be heard in committee until they have been introduced 30 days, but the rules were waived for this bill.
On February 12, a U.S. District Court in New Mexico struck down an Albuquerque city ordinance, which requires voters at the polls (in city elections) to show photo-ID. ACLU of New Mexico v Santillanes, cv05-1136. The decision is 83 pages long and can be read here.
On February 12, a U.S. District Court in New Mexico struck down an Albuquerque city ordinance, which requires voters at the polls (in city elections) to show photo-ID. ACLU of New Mexico v Santillanes, cv05-1136. The decision is 83 pages long and can be read here.