On September 7, the Illinois Attorney General ruled that home rule municipalities may use Instant-Runoff Voting, if the voters in that city or town approve the idea with a referendum. No change in the state election code is needed.
1
On September 7, the California legislature finally passed SB 1050, to legalize write-in votes when the voter forgets to “x” the box. The Governor has 30 days to sign or veto it.
On September 7, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, ruled 5-0 that the U.S. Constitution protects the right of non-residents of a city, to circulate an initiative petition for that city. Bray v Marsolino.
A similar hearing in Ohio State Court of Appeals is being held on September 8, on whether out-of-state residents may circulate an initiative petition in Ohio.
On September 6, former Constitution Party state legislator Rick Jore of Montana received a letter from his bank, notifying him that his Democratic opponent in last year’s election had successfully emptied out his bank account, in accordance with a court order. That court order requires Jore to pay $15,664 in legal fees to his opponent’s attorney. Jore had not sued anyone last year. Instead, his Democratic opponent had sued him to obtain a recount. The original tally had resulted in Jore’s being seated in the legislature. The Montana Supreme Court had reversed the original tally and ruled that his Democratic opponent had been elected instead. Under strange Montana rules, when a candidate loses a lawsuit involving recounts, a court has the discretion to order the losing candidate to pay attorney’s fees for the winner.
On September 6, former Constitution Party state legislator Rick Jore of Montana received a letter from his bank, notifying him that his Democratic opponent in last year’s election had successfully emptied out his bank account, in accordance with a court order. That court order requires Jore to pay $15,664 in legal fees to his opponent’s attorney. Jore had not sued anyone last year. Instead, his Democratic opponent had sued him to obtain a recount. The original tally had resulted in Jore’s being seated in the legislature. The Montana Supreme Court had reversed the original tally and ruled that his Democratic opponent had been elected instead. Under strange Montana rules, when a candidate loses a lawsuit involving recounts, a court has the discretion to order the losing candidate to pay attorney’s fees for the winner.