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

WI District Attorney Punts on Musk Charges; CA Justices Not Buying Sheriff’s Ballot Seizure Defense; Callais Decision Threatens GA Districts

August 27, 2026August 27, 2026

We have updates on stories we’ve been following on Elon Musk “election bribery” accusations in Wisconsin, a state supreme court ballot seizure hearing for a California county sheriff, and a court-ordered review of Georgia’s state voting districts after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision.

The SCOTUS USPS Mail-In Ballot Ruling May Not Be the Final Word. USPS Has Now Released Its Rules and a Challenge Has Already Been Filed.

August 26, 2026August 26, 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision August 24th allowing President Donald Trump’s plan for the U.S. Postal Service to verify the citizenship of mail-in voters to proceed may not be the final word. The USPS has now released its rules, and pro-voter groups have already challenged them.

In 6 to 3 Decision, Supreme Court Majority Stops Lower Court’s Ruling Blocking U.S. Postal Service Plans for Mail-In Voter Citizenship Verification

August 25, 2026August 26, 2026

June 25th, a Massachusetts federal district court blocked portions of President Trump’s executive order directing the U.S. Postal Service to verify a voter’s citizenship before receiving or returning a mail-in ballot. August 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court’s majority stayed that order, ruling the states had not yet been harmed.

Elon Musk and America PAC Face Prosecution for ‘Election Bribery’ for Million Dollar Check Giveaway During 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race

August 24, 2026August 24, 2026

In a 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Elon Musk gave $1 million dollar checks to three voters, quote, “In appreciation for you taking the time to vote.” The Wisconsin Elections Commission found probable cause that he violated the state’s Election Bribery statute, and it’s finally being prosecuted.

Does the Missouri Constitution Allow Ballot Initiatives to Change Voting Districts? Updates on Epic Battle Over Racially Gerrymandered KC Map

August 23, 2026August 24, 2026

We’re back in Missouri, where a Cole county circuit judge ruled August 19th that a proposed November citizen ballot initiative, stonewalled by the secretary of state, could not constitutionally change voting districts. The Missouri Supreme Court will hear an appeal September 2nd.