The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Aug. 28, 2026
MADISON, WI — 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.
We reported August 25th that the Wisconsin Elections Commission found probable cause that Elon Musk committed “election bribery” during the 2025 state supreme court race. But La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke declined to charge Musk, saying in a statement that he does not think he can convince a jury of intent.
CalMatters reports that two state supreme court hearings didn’t go well for Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who seized as many as 650,000 ballots from the state’s 2025 redistricting referendum to investigate irregularities. Justices seemed skeptical that he had jurisdiction over the ballots, and that he could disobey the state attorney general, whom the state constitution says has “direct supervision.”
In Georgia, an 11th Circuit appeals panel ordered a lower court to review majority-minority state house and senate districts in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Callais decision. Several districts were drawn to comply with the Voting Rights Act, but the Supreme Court’s majority ruled in April that race cannot be a factor in redistricting.
We’ve linked to the local reporting at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
LaCrosse, WI District Attorney (via Wisconsin Public Radio) – Statement on Not Bringing Charges Against Elon Musk
CalMatters – California justices seem skeptical of Sheriff Chad Bianco’s defense in ballot seizure case
Georgia Recorder – Federal appeals court voids ruling that Georgia’s political maps violated Voting Rights Act
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Elon Musk and America PAC Face Prosecution for ‘Election Bribery’ for Million Dollar Check Giveaway During 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
American Democracy Minute – California Sheriff Obtains Warrant from Judge He Endorsed, Then Seizes More than 650,000 Ballots for ‘Recount’ of 2025 Redistricting Referendum
American Democracy Minute – Callais Decision Fallout as Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama & South Carolina Scramble to Eliminate Black Congressional Districts
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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