The Independent View: Major Parties Fight to Alter Future Primaries

Thanks to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News for this post.

Alaska, on May 15, The Democratic Party held a State Convention, and amended its Bylaws to say that a registered independent is free to run in the Democratic Primary for Congress or State Office. State law does not permit such Candidacy. The Party will have to sue the State to put its new Bylaws into effect.

Hawaii, on May 4, the Democratic Party argued in the Ninth Circuit in Democratic Party of Hawaii v Nago, 13-17545. State law requires all parties to nominate by Open Primary, but the Democratic Party argues that Republicans are voting in its Primaries, and want to limit the Primary to people who sign in as Democrats. The U.S. District Court had ruled against the Party on the grounds that it hadn't proved that republicans are voting in its Primaries. The Party argues that it is impossible to obtain such proof, because on Primary day, voters chose a Primary ballot in secret.

Missouri, on May 21-22, the Republican Party held its State Convention, and voted to seek a Closed Primary for itself, either by Legislative action or by lawsuit.

Montana, the Republican Party has been suing to obtain a Closed Primary for itself. The lawsuit is on hold until the Ninth Circuit decides the Hawaii case.

Utah, the Republican Party has asked the Tenth Circuit to hear its appeal in Utah Republican Party v Herbert, 16-4058. The issue is the State law that allows individuals to get on a Primary ballot even if they have little support at a Party Caucus. However, such candidates must complete a very difficult petition. The Republican Party wants to block such candidates from its Primaries.