Back in June 2023, the New York legislature passed A4282B/S3505B, identical bills that move most local partisan elections from November of odd years, to November of even years. But only on December 12 did the legislature sent the bills to the Governor. That means she is now under a time limit to either sign or veto the bills by the end of the year.

The bill faces opposition, because some people feel putting elections for local office on the November ballot in even years will make it difficult for candidates for local office to get any attention.

The Constitution Party has moved the dates of its presidential convention to April 24-27. Previously the party had expected to hold it April 17-20. It will be in Salt Lake City. Thanks to Charles Deemer for this news.

On December 16, the Detroit News published a story that says the Michigan straight-ticket device will make it difficult for No Labels to poll a high share of the vote if No Labels runs someone for president in 2024. The story says that year after year, between 55% and 60% of Michigan voters use the straight-ticket device.

The article is a rare acknowledgement that straight-ticket devices injure minor party and independent candidates. The article is behind a pay wall, but here is a link. The only other states with straight-ticket devices are Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

No Labels leader Pat McCrory was interviewed on Detroit’s Channel 4, and he said that in Michigan, No Labels will not qualify as a party, but instead will put its eventual presidential nominee on the ballot in Michigan as an independent. There is no straight-ticket device for independent candidates. Furthermore, independent candidates in Michigan appear on the ballot below all the party nominees.