Small City, Big Problem: Martindale, TX to Re-Run Mayoral Election After Errors

The tiny city of Martindale, TX (pop. ~1,200) is facing a re-run of its recent mayoral election after a series of errors in administering the vote led a court to invalidate the results. This story highlights the challenges facing elections in the country’s smallest communities, which often involve complicated cost- and management-sharing arrangements that cross county lines.

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Zenith City Decision: Duluth, MN to Vote on Ranked Choice Voting

Next Tuesday, Duluth, MN will vote on whether to adopt ranked choice voting for its city elections. It’s a question that has divided voters on questions of whether it will affect turnout, campaign tone, usability and outcomes – and is informed in part by the experience of previous elections in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

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New Mexico SoS Duran Resigns

New Mexico SoS Dianna Duran has resigned, leaving the state with the task of replacing her – first by appointment and then by special election – at the same time it is working to prepare for the 2016 election.

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No Small Stuff (cont.): Late Withdrawal Costs Rock Hill $4,500 for Uncontested Election

Rock Hill, SC just ran an election where, thanks to a late withdrawal, a city council candidate got 179 votes in an uncontested race that cost the city $4,500 – or about $25 per vote. It’s a useful reminder that election costs are sometimes driven not by big things like policy or technology but but little things like human nature. Controlling costs on the big things, however, can make the little ones hurt less.

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Louisiana SoS Race Enters Final Stretch

Louisiana will be choosing a new Secretary of State in this Saturday’s election – and the state faces a choice between incumbent Tom Schedler and challenger Chris Tyson. The candidates have staked out a variety of differences, ranging from the importance of experience to the proper role of the state in registering voters and encouraging turnout.

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