On February 6, the 9th circuit heard arguments in Washington State’s appeal of the “top two” lawsuit. Last year, a US District Court had ruled that “top two” violates the First Amendment rights of association of political parties. The state appealed. However, two of the three judges seemed skeptical of the state’s case. They seemed to feel that if Washington wants to hold a “top two” primary, the state needs to convert to non-partisan elections, and keep party labels entirely off the ballot.
The Peace and Freedom Party was added back to the June primary ballot today, two days after the Secretary of State Bruce McPhersoner ruled the party didn’t have enough registered voters to qualify.
McPherson had stunned observers when he invented a new interpretation of the rule regarding ballot access.
Oakland attorney Bob Evans, the party central committee’s recording secretary credited Richard Winger with providing McPherson historical information on the law’s application.
Posted by Eric Garris
The Peace and Freedom Party was added back to the June primary ballot today, two days after the Secretary of State Bruce McPhersoner ruled the party didn’t have enough registered voters to qualify.
McPherson had stunned observers when he invented a new interpretation of the rule regarding ballot access.
Oakland attorney Bob Evans, the party central committee’s recording secretary credited Richard Winger with providing McPherson historical information on the law’s application.
Posted by Eric Garris
The January 31 hearing in the New Hampshire House Election Law Committee went very well. Everyone who testified was in favor of the bill, or else was neutral (the Secretary of State was neutral). The bill would lower the vote test from 4% for Governor or US Senator, to 2% for Governor or US Senator. It would also lower the statewide independent candidate petition (with party label) from 3,000 signatures, to 2,000 signatures. The committee will decide whether to recommend the bill in a week or so.
The chief counsel to the Elections Division of the California Secretary of State has indicated that the office still hasn’t made a final decision about the Peace & Freedom Party.
