Last month, this site appealed for donations to COFOE (Coalition for Free & Open Elections) to help pay for a proposed new ballot access lawsuit. North Carolina ballot access restrictions for independent candidates for U.S. House are so restrictive, no independent candidate for that office has ever appeared on a government-printed ballot in that state. The proposed lawsuit will challenge the petition requirement, which is 4% of the number of registered voters in the district, or approximately 13,000 to 14,000 signatures. The law also requires a large filing fee.

Some of you responded to that appeal, and enough money has now been raised for the proposed North Carolina lawsuit. COFOE received one donation for $250, the largest single donation ever made to COFOE. Thank you!

Cases now pending that have received some financial help for COFOE are: (1) Schaefer v Lamone, now pending in the 4th circuit, which challenges Maryland’s law on the order of candidates on the ballot; (2) Wasson v Bradbury, which challenge’s Oregon’s law making it illegal for a primary voter to sign an independent candidate petition; (3) State of Washington v Washington Republican, Democratic, Libertarian Parties, over the “top-two” primary.

Additional contributions to COFOE will be put to good use. There is a need for additional resources for the Pennsylvania ballot access case. If you are willing to help, please send a check to COFOE and mail it to PO Box 470296, San Francisco Ca 94147.