In the Election Law Mailbag

I have just received the following new books and articles:

Colin Feasby, Freedom of Expression and the Law of the Democratic Process, 29 The Supreme Court Law Review (2d Series 2005) (Canadian election law)

Mark Brown, Ballot Fees as Impermissible Qualifications for Federal Office, 54 American University Law Review 1283 (2005)

The Final Arbiter: The Consequences of Bush v. Gore for Law and Politics (Christopher P. Banks, David B. Cohen and John C. Green eds., SUNY Press 2005)

The Battle for Florida: An Annotated Compendium of Materials from the 2000 Presidential Election (Lance deHaven-Smith, ed., University Press of Florida 2005).

In addition, it looks like every article in Volume 33, No. 6 of American Politics Research will interest those interested in election law. For the current contents, see here.

"A Vote for Free Speech"

John Samples offers these thoughts on the internet campaign finance bill now before the House.

"Campaign finance reform plan draws opposition"

C|NET News offers this report, accompanied by what appears to be the most confusing campaign finance graphic of all time.

"Experts: Prop. 77 has national implications"

The North County Times offers this report. Meanwhile a new poll by the LA Times finds only 34% support for the measure. But the special election has at least been good for election lawyers, political consultants and T.V. stations with an expected $300 million price tag.

"Reform Redistricting"

Roll Call offers this editorial, which begins: "Shame on Ohio Republicans, California Democrats and Florida Republicans: They are shouting vociferously, and spending extravagantly, to defeat redistricting reforms that would inject competition and citizen choice into U.S. House and state legislative campaigns."

"GOP Help Sought on Post-Katrina Voting"

Roll Call offers this report (paid subscription required). It begins: "Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) said Tuesday that he would continue to publicize Democratic-sponsored legislation intended to guarantee absentee voting privileges to Gulf Coast residents displaced by recent hurricanes in an attempt to gain Republican backing for the bill. The legislation introduced in mid-September, the Displaced Citizens Voter Protection Act of 2005, has gained 38 co-sponsors. But so far, only Democrats have signed on."

Should Congress Use Renewal of the Voting Rights Act to Overrule Section 5's Interepretation in Bossier Parish II?

So argues Mark Posner in this must-read testimony before a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. UPDATE: Roger Clegg's testimony to the contrary on Bossier Parish is here and Brenda Wright's testimony recounting the litigation of Bossier Parish is here.

"Congress Should Find a Way to Protect the Internet"

Bob Bauer has written this Roll Call oped (paid subscription required, but excerpts without a subscription here).

"Markowitz: GOP 'sore losers' rule can't trump law"

See this news from Vermont.

"Law students release voting discrimination findings; panel to discuss Voting Rights Act"

The University of Michigan has issued this press release.

New at the Moritz Election Law Site

Ned Foley argues no on Issue 3 (campaign finance) and yes on Issue 4 (redistricting). Travis McDade compares the Ohio and California redistricting initiatives. According to an October 26 newspaper report, Issue 3 appears to be polling better than Issue 4.