GOP Seeks Voting Changes; Opponents See Chilling Effect - An overview of recent proposals to change election and voting laws in South Carolina, and the disgustingly partisan motivations behind them. Includes a failed attempt to end fusion voting (where more than one party nominates a single candidate), a push by the GOP to require ID from voters, and a push for early voting by Democrats. The Free Times via Daily Voting News.
Aspen uses instant runoff voting in an election for the first time - On Tuesday, the city of Aspen in Colorado used instant runoff voting in its elections for mayor and city council for the first time. Previously it had used a system where voters only vote for one person, with a runoff in June if there was no majority winner. The Aspen Daily News examines the success of and debate over the new system.
Oklahomans to vote on ballot access [for initiatives] - The Oklahoma legislature has passed a bill that would amend the state constitution to make it easier to get an initiative on the ballot. Since this bill would change the constitution, it must first be approved by a statewide referendum. Tulsa World.
Dennis Kucinich Will Ask U.S. Supreme Court to Hear His Case Against Texas Democratic Oath - From Ballot Access News:
Congressman Dennis Kucinich expects to appeal his lawsuit against the Texas Democratic Party to the U.S. Supreme Court. When Kucinich tried to run in the Democratic presidential primary in Texas last year, he was barred from the party’s primary ballot because he wouldn’t sign an oath to "fully support" whomever became the Democratic presidential nominee. The lower federal courts ruled in favor of the Texas Democratic Party. The last ruling, from the 5th circuit, was on March 24, 2009.
Kucinich ended up supporting Obama in the Iowa Caucuses, the primaries, and the general election, even though he didn't take the oath.
Some highly recommended sources for election news:
Ballot Access News
Daily Voting News
Election Law Blog
NOTE: I am looking for a few good suggestions about how readers can act on reforming elections. I haven't done much myself, I mostly just read and write about it, so if you have any ideas please let me know.
