All States

Massachusetts Upholds Corporate Campaign Contribution Limits in ‘Union Loophole’ Case

Election Law Society · November 26, 2018 ·

By: Jared Mullen

Earlier this month, Massachusetts’s highest court rejected a challenge to the Commonwealth’s longtime ban on corporate campaign contributions. First enacted in 1907, G. L. c. 55, § 8 prohibits corporations, partnerships, and LLCs from contributing directly to political campaigns or political action committees. At the same time, unions, non-profit organizations, and trade associations may directly contribute up to $15,000 to political campaigns in the commonwealth, while individuals may contribute up to $1,000. Corporations may still contribute to Super PAC’s, which do not coordinate with political campaigns, as well as make independent political expenditures of their own.

Political Attire Bans: What Can You Wear When You Vote?

Election Law Society · November 21, 2018 ·

By: Samantha Becker

On June 14, 2018, the Supreme Court invalidated a Minnesota law that prohibited wearing any “political badge, political button, or other political insignia” inside a polling place on Election Day.” The ban was interpreted to cover a variety of attire, such as t-shirts, buttons, and hats, and versions of the law had been in place for over a century. In a 7-2 decision, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing for the majority, the Court ruled that the Minnesota political attire ban was unconstitutional.

Proposition E(xclusion): Contentious Term Limits in Arlington, Texas

Election Law Society · November 19, 2018 ·

By: Kendall Quirk

Arlington, Texas is probably best known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys or Texas Rangers, but it may soon be home to some of the strictest city council term limits in the country. On November 6, 2018, Arlington voters will see Proposition E on the ballot, a citizen-written proposition restricting the mayor and council members to three two-year council terms to be applied retroactively and banning current members from running again. The proposition, written solely by Arlington resident Zack Maxwell, was brought to the council by petition with more than 11,000 signatures, with some people stating they were misled when approached to sign.

The White Rabbit of Pennsylvania: Absentee Ballots [Are] Late For a Very Important Date

Election Law Society · November 14, 2018 ·

By Allie Amado

So you want to use an absentee ballot in a Pennsylvania election? Here are a few tips to make it worth your trouble:

Mail your absentee ballot request at least one week before the election. But I suggest much earlier.
Once you receive your ballot, take care to mark it according to the instructions.
Place your ballot in the mail as soon as possible.
Cross your fingers and hope your ballot reached the county election office before 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election.

150 Unfortunate Voters

Election Law Society · November 13, 2018 ·

By: Matthew Catron

Again…all eyes are on Florida, this time after the 2018 Midterm Election. While Broward County and the statewide recount seem to be caught in the spotlight, another controversy is brewing in the Florida Panhandle. In this case, the chief election official of Bay County allowed approximately 150 voters to cast their ballots via fax or email.

Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle in mid-October and had a lasting effect on the infrastructure and residents of several coastal counties. As a result of the devastation, Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order extending the deadline for early voting and increasing the number of early voting locations in eight hurricane-hit counties. Gov. Scott issued this executive order pursuant to the governor’s power under the Florida Elections Emergency Act. However, Bay County Supervisor of Elections Mark Andersen went beyond the governor’s executive order and accepted roughly 150 ballots via fax or email. These electronically transmitted ballots were cast by voters who were displaced by Hurricane Michael.