American Democracy Minute A 90 second radio news report & podcast on U.S. democracy issues %

As Angry Voters Turned Out in Record Numbers for Early Voting, South Carolina Senate Decides to Abandon Trump-Pushed Redistricting Map

May 27, 2026May 27, 2026

The South Carolina Senate abandoned a plan May 26th to flip the state’s only liberal-leaning congressional district to conservatives. A ticking clock, over a hundred proposed amendments, and record early voting turnout appear to have been factors.

The Cost of Partisan Power: Mid-Decade Redistricting and Delaying Congressional Primaries Will Cost the Taxpayers Big Money

May 26, 2026May 26, 2026

States conducting mid-decade redistricting racked up big bills for the special sessions, special elections, delayed congressional primaries, infrastructure changes, and extra labor. And it’s taxpayers, not those doing the gerrymandering, who will foot the bill.

The Redistricting Arms Race was Fueled by Hundreds of Millions in Super PAC and 501C4 Dark Money from Both Sides in Virginia and California

May 25, 2026May 25, 2026

The redistricting arms race fights in Virginia, California and elsewhere were fueled by hundreds of millions of dollars from Super PACs and hard-to-track dark money groups. Contributions shattered Virginia’s previous record for ballot questions.

Ballrooms, Bitcoins & Billion Dollar Slush Funds: For Memorial Day, Words from Legendary Campaign Finance Reformer, Doris “Granny D” Haddock

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026

In a Memorial Day tradition, we bring you an abridged portion of a speech at the U.S. Capitol by legendary campaign finance reformer Doris “Granny D” Haddock, the 90-year-old grandmother who walked across the U.S. to bring attention to campaign finance corruption.

South Carolina Legislators Advance Map Flipping the State’s Only Blue Seat, Likely Delaying the Congressional Primary at a Cost of $6 Million

May 21, 2026May 21, 2026

South Carolina legislators advanced a new congressional redistricting map May 20th, after Governor Henry McMaster ordered a special session. The map, which likely flips South Carolina’s 6th congressional district and only blue seat, passed the full House, a Senate committee and is under consideration in the full Senate.