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

State Updates: VA Supreme Court OKs Ballot Measure – Again; FL & IA Advance Proof of Citizenship; DOJ Sues 5 More States for Voter Data

March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

We have state briefs today. Virginia’s Supreme Court stayed a lower court order and allowed a ballot measure authorizing mid-decade redistricting. Florida and Iowa advanced proof of citizenship legislation, and the Trump DOJ sued five more states to turn over their voter data.

Conspiracy-Driven Change of Polling Place Rules and a Website Crash Causes Anger, Confusion and Disenfranchisement in Some Texas Counties

March 4, 2026March 4, 2026

The March 3rd Texas state primary was marred by anger, confusion and disenfranchisement, as voters simply tried to vote. Changes to party primary rules, an election department website crash, and conflicting court rulings meant many voters gave up or were turned away.

U.S. Supreme Court Issues Temporary Stay of NY Appeals Court Remedial Map Restoring Black & Latino Voting Power in NYC Congressional District

March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

March 2nd, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency temporary stay, blocking a New York appeals court opinion upholding a remedial map for a New York City congressional district. Voters had argued the original map diluted minority voting power under the New York Constitution.

An Activist-Proposed National Emergency Executive Order Would Trump State Election Law. Scholars Say It’s Unconstitutional.

March 2, 2026March 2, 2026

We reported yesterday on a recent election denier summit where a proposed presidential executive order declaring a national emergency was pushed. Its intent is to exert federal control over the midterm election. Scholars say it’s blatantly unconstitutional.

Meeting of 2020 Trump Election Operatives Considers 2026 Litigation Strategies and Declaring a National Emergency to Interfere with the Midterms

March 1, 2026March 2, 2026

Operatives active in the effort to overturn the 2020 election reportedly gathered at a recent summit convened by former Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Among the topics discussed: Legal strategies to contest the 2026 midterm election, and a presidential declaration of a national emergency to seize control of federal elections.