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

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Louisiana Sends States Back to the Gerrymandering Drawing Board to Rig Districts Before the Midterms

May 3, 2026May 3, 2026

The April 29th U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais has unleashed a torrent of last minute gerrymandering, and escalated the redistricting arms race in both red and blue states. The decision could result in seven or more GOP U.S. House seats, not counting the four seats just gerrymandered in Florida.

U.S. Supreme Court Neutralizes Remaining VRA Section 2 Protections for Minority Voters and Imperils Majority-Minority Voting Districts Nationwide

April 30, 2026May 3, 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court all but eliminated remaining Voting Rights Act protections for minority voters in its Louisiana v. Callais decision April 29th. By striking down Louisiana’s two majority-minority voting districts, such districts face elimination nationwide, resulting in fewer minorities elected for federal, state and local government.

In PA, Man Sentenced in a Money-Motivated Voter Registration Fraud Case. Trials for Six Other Alleged Participants are Pending.

April 29, 2026April 29, 2026

An Arizona man organizing voter registration drives in Pennsylvania in 2024 was sentenced April 27th for his involvement in submitting fraudulent registrations, and will serve prison time and probation. The trial for his six employees is still pending.

Gerrymandering Arms Race Update: FL Gov. Ron DeSantis Unveils Congressional Redistricting Plan, Gerrymandering 4 Additional GOP Seats

April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis finally unveiled his mid-decade congressional redistricting plan on April 27th, saying “this has been a long-standing issue that we’ve had.” The map attempts to gerrymander four additional GOP seats, but experts suggest his plan may make other red-leaning districts vulnerable.

California Voter ID Ballot Question Now Qualified for the Nov. 3 Ballot, Narrowing ID Options and Requiring Citizenship Verification

April 27, 2026April 27, 2026

A California ballot question requiring government-issued ID for voting, qualified for the November 3rd ballot April 24th. It would narrow voter ID options, and require election officials to verify citizenship for both new and previously registered voters.