The Independent View: Electionline Weekly Nov-10-2016

Legislative Updates

Tennessee: Although no Legislation has been introduced, look for Rep. G. A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) to introduce a bill eliminating the State’s Ballot Selfie ban.

Wisconsin: It’s possible that Assembly House Speaker Robin Vos will introduce Legislation in the coming months to make Early Voting a more uniform process in Wisconsin.

Legal Updates

Arizona: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the State’s ban on Ballot Harvesting. The Justices gave no reason for reviving the law that a Lower Court had struck down.

Colorado: U.S. District Judge Christine Arguello ruled that the State may not enforce an 1891 law that in essence Banned Ballot Selfies.

Kansas: Larry Hendricks, District Judge in Shawnee County struck down the State’s Dual Voter Registration system and said that the loss of the Voting Rights of the more than 18,000 voters in limbo “far outweighs” the risk of potential Voter Fraud.

Massachusetts: A Judge ruled that three people who missed Massachusetts Voter Registration deadline should be allowed to vote.

New York: In a 16-page ruling, a Federal Judge ruled that a century-old law banning Ballot Selfies, or the concept of them anyway, remain in place because it was too late in the process to remove the law.

North Carolina: U.S. District Judge Loreta Biggs issued a Preliminary Injunction requiring the State to Reinstate Voters who had been purged from the Voter Rolls through a process that she referred to as “insane”.

Ohio: U.S. District Judge James Gwin issued a Temporary Restraining order against the Republican nominee for President, as well as a Republican Political Operative from harassing voters. The suit was filed by the State Democratic Party. Gwin ruled that anyone who engages in intimidation or harassment inside or near polling places, regardless of Political Affiliation would face contempt-of-court charges.

Pennsylvania: U.S. District Judge Gerald Pappert rejected a bid by the State’s GOP to legalize a call for supporters to serve as Election Day poll watchers. "There is no need for this judicial fire drill and [the Republican Party] offers no reasonable explanation or justification for the harried process they created."