Category: State
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Oklahoma moves into Phase 3 of reopening plan today
Oklahoma entered Phase 3 of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s (R) “Open Up and Recover Safely” plan on June 1, 2020. Church and school summer camps may open, businesses may resume unrestricted staffing at worksites with social distancing and sanitation measures, and businesses that were operating by appointment only may accept walk-ins. Residents are encouraged to minimize…
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All of Virginia now operating under Phase One of reopening plan
On May 29, Northern Virginia, as well as Richmond and Accomack County, moved into Phase One of the “Forward Virginia” reopening plan, leaving no part of the state under a stay-at-home order. The stay-at-home order ended for parts of the state on May 15, but Gov. Ralph Northam (D) delayed Northern Virginia’s entry into Phase…
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Candidate filing period for state executive and legislative races ends in Vermont and Wyoming
The filing deadlines to run for state-level offices in Vermont and Wyoming have passed. Vermont’s deadline was on May 28, and Wyoming’s deadline was on May 29. In Vermont, prospective candidates filed for the following state offices: • Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Auditor • Attorney General • Treasurer • Vermont…
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Filing period ends for congressional offices in Vermont, Wyoming
The major-party filing deadlines to run for elected office in Vermont and Wyoming passed on May 28 and May 29. Candidates in Vermont filed for the state’s At-Large Congressional District seat. Candidates in Wyoming filed for the following offices: U.S. Senate (one seat) Wyoming’s At-Large Congressional District (one seat) U.S. Senate incumbent Mike Enzi (R)…
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Arizona schools set to reopen in the fall
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced that schools in the state would reopen for in-person instruction in the fall. No firm start date was provided, but Ducey said the state would release guidelines for schools on June 1. Schools in the state have been closed to in-person instruction since March 15. Forty-eight states were closed…
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The League of Women Voters of Michigan sues Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) over implementation of Proposal 3’s absentee ballot provision
The League of Women Voters of Michigan sues Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) over implementation of Proposal 3’s absentee ballot provision In 2018, voters approved Michigan Proposal 3, a citizen-initiated measure that added no-excuse absentee voting to the Michigan Constitution. Before Proposal 3, statute required an excuse related to age, travel, religion, arraignment or…
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U.S. District Judge rules Florida cannot condition voting on financial obligations a felon is unable to pay
On May 24, 2020, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that Florida cannot prevent felony convicts from voting based on fines, fees, or restitution they are unable to pay. Florida voters approved Amendment 4, a citizen initiative, in 2018 by a vote of 65% in favor to 35% against. The initiative was designed to automatically…
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Texas Supreme Court rules that a voter’s lack of immunity does not qualify as a disability for absentee voting purposes
On May 27, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that a voter’s lack of immunity to COVID-19 does not qualify as a disability under the state’s election laws and, therefore, cannot be cited as an excuse for voting absentee. The court ruled unanimously on the matter. Chief Justice Nathan Hecht wrote the following in the…
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Delaware Governor will end travel restrictions June 1
On May 26, Gov. John Carney (D) announced that restrictions on travelers entering Delaware will expire on June 1, the same day the state is scheduled to begin the first phase of its reopening plan. Carney issued the restrictions, which require travelers who enter the state to self-quarantine for 14 days, on March 29 in…
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Connecticut Supreme Court justice to retire
On May 27, 2020, Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Richard Palmer stepped down from the court after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 years. Palmer joined the Connecticut Supreme Court in 1993 after being appointed by Gov. Lowell Weicker and confirmed by the Connecticut General Assembly. Palmer was renominated and reconfirmed every eight years following. Prior to joining the court, Palmer served as the…