Last month, the Arkansas Libertarian Party began circulating the petition for qualified party status. One dedicated individual, Bill Redpath, has himself already collected 646 signatures. The petition needs 10,000 signtures by February 2024.
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On May 1, the California Assembly passed AB 1227 unanimously. It lets Santa Clara County, the most populous county in northern California, use ranked choice voting for elections for its own officers.
On April 19, the California Assembly Elections Committee passed AB 421 by 5-2. It makes it more difficult for statewide initiatives and referenda to get on the ballot. The bill has so many provisions, it is difficult to list them all. Read the analysis of the bill here.
On April 28, the Florida House passed SB 7050, so it is now through the legislature. It says that the “resign to run” law does not pertain to presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Therefore, Governor Ron DeSantis will be free to run for president, without having to fear that if he ran and did not get elected, he would be forced to resign as Governor on January 20, 2025.
The Common Sense Party of Michigan was expecting to launch its petition for party status, but on April 28 told the State Board of Canvassers not to approve its petition yet. The Common Sense Party of Michigan is not affiliated with any party outside Michigan. Thanks to Thomas Jones for the initial news, and to commenters for the update.