The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Jan. 5, 2026
We have state updates today, both with significant implications for voters. Ohio replaced its independent election commission with an “election integrity” commission under the control of the Secretary of State. A Utah judge will allow the legislature to appeal the state’s court-mandated congressional district map, which replaced the legislature’s unconstitutional map last year.
The Ohio Capital Journal reports that a new commission overseeing elections took control January 1st from the Ohio Elections Commission, after legislators complained it was slow and ineffective. It was historically bipartisan and independent from the executive branch. But new may not mean better for voters.
The just-formed Ohio Election Integrity Commission now reports to Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who in 2024 orchestrated a deceptive rewriting of a ballot initiative to ensure its defeat. While the previous commission was chosen by a bipartisan panel, the new commission will be chosen by House and Senate leadership, and the chair appointed by the Secretary of State.
The Utah News Dispatch reports that the state judge who struck down the legislature’s attempts to sidestep constitutional fair redistricting rules has allowed the legislature to appeal replacement fair maps to the Utah Supreme Court. The state’s high court previously struck down attempts to neutralize the state’s independent redistricting commission. The case will likely be expedited.
We’ve linked the local reporting at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Ohio Capital Journal – New Ohio Election Integrity Commission begins to take shape
Ohio Legislative Service Commission – Ohio Election Integrity Commission
American Democracy Minute – (2024) Polling Shows Ohio Voters Lean Toward Passing Citizen-Led Redistricting Commission Ballot Measure, Despite Disinformation from State Officials
American Democracy Minute – Utah Judge Rejects Legislature’s Gerrymandered Congressional Map, Choosing a Map Which Follows the State Constitution Instead
Utah News Dispatch – Utah redistricting: Judge allows Legislature to appeal one of her rulings to Utah Supreme Court
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause OH, League of Women Voters UT, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, Campaign Legal Center
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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