Author: Brian Beihl

Brian Beihl is the founder and host of the American Democracy Minute. He is the former deputy director of Open Democracy, founded by campaign finance reformer Doris "Granny D" Haddock. He has a degree in Journalism from Michigan State University.

Pro-Voter Groups Respond to State of Louisiana’s Equal Protection Clause Defense in October’s Consequential U.S. Supreme Court Case

We reported that the State of Louisiana shifted its argument in Louisiana vs. Callais, and now claims the protections of Voting Rights Act of 1965 Section 2, are unconstitutional and no longer needed.  In their brief, pro-voter groups point out Louisiana’s maps have already been found to discriminate, so shifting arguments won’t help them.   

Missouri’s Special Session was Called to Gerrymander Another GOP Seat, But There May Be More Voter Suppression Ahead

We reported recently on the Missouri governor’s call for a special legislative session to gerrymander another GOP Congressional seat.  What didn’t make the headlines was the governor’s additional request to make the citizen ballot initiative process harder, and limit the power of the voters to check a hyperpartisan legislature.

Texas Governor Signs Gerrymandered Congressional Maps; Missouri Governor Calls Special Session, with More States Likely to Follow

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed his legislature’s mid-decade Congressional redistricting maps August 29th, manipulated to gain the GOP five seats at President Donald Trump’s request. After California’s move to counteract it, Missouri’s governor called a special session, and more states are considering rigging their Congressional maps.