On November 1, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Vidal v Elster, 22-704. The case concerns the interplay between trademark law and free speech. Specifically, it is about whether someone can trademark a political slogan. The decision, when it comes, may affect the Libertarian Party’s intra-party dispute in Michigan, which hinges on trademark law.
One can read the transcript at this link.
On November 1, Georgia state officials said that they will appeal the U.S. District Court decision that struck down the state’s U.S. House and legislative district boundaries. But it won’t seek a stay, which means that the legislature will soon proceed to draw new maps that will probably be used in 2024. See this story.
Taiwan holds a presidential election on January 13, 2004. Parties are automatically on the ballot if they received 5% of the vote in the last presidential election. Three parties meet that criteria.
Other parties and independent candidates need a petition of 1.5% of the last vote cast in the most recent parliamentary election. For the upcoming presidential election, about 290,000 signatures are needed. This story says one petition was submitted, for independent candidate Terry Gou.
On November 1, Quinnipiac University National Polls issued a poll for the presidential election. For the general election, when three candidates are listed, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gets 22%. See it here. Thanks to Political Wire for the link.
On October 27, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph LaPlante, a Bush Jr. appointee, issued an opinion in Castro v Scanlan, one of the anti-Trump ballot access lawsuits. Here is the opinion, which says that courts cannot adjudicate the qualifications of presidential candidates. The ruling also says that even if they could, the plaintiff does not have standing because his campaign for the presidency is so weak. He notes that Castro, whose name is on the New Hampshire Republican primary ballot, has not campaigned in New Hampshire. 1:23cv-416.
On November 1, the plaintiff filed an appeal in the First Circuit. 23-1902. He is asking for expedited processing.
