American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

Kansas Supreme Court Rules There is No Natural Right to Vote for Kansas Citizens, Only a Political Right Subject to the Legislature’s Restrictions

June 3, 2024June 3, 2024

The Kansas Supreme Court issued a contentious narrow decision Friday, determining that Kansas citizens do not have a “natural right” to vote. Instead, the majority ruled that citizens have a “political right,” subject to qualification by its legislature.

Analysis of the U.S. Supreme Court’s South Carolina Gerrymandering Decision Finds Disturbing Guidance for Lower Courts

June 2, 2024June 2, 2024

We reported last week on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion in a South Carolina case, finding no racial gerrymandering when 30,000 Black voters were moved to dilute Black voting power in the state’s 1st Congressional district. Scholars found even more voting rights damage in the fine print.

Galveston County, TX Racial Gerrymandering Case Could Weaken Voting Rights Act Protections for Mixed Minority Communities

May 30, 2024May 31, 2024

The U.S. Federal Court’s Fifth Circuit, known for its conservative and sometimes fringe rulings, recently reheard a case from Galveston County, Texas over whether a community of African Americans and Latinx Americans qualifies for protections under the Voting Rights Act. The court’s opinion could further weaken the VRA.

Gallup Poll Finds Americans Think a Major Third Party is Needed

May 29, 2024May 29, 2024

A poll by Gallup finds majority support for a major third party option among almost every segment of voters, ticking up to 63% last fall. This includes increases among Republicans and independents.

U.S. Supreme Court Finds South Carolina Gerrymandering Case ‘Bleaching’ Congressional District Not Racially Motivated

May 28, 2024May 28, 2024

Back in October 2023, U.S. Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments to determine whether redistricting by the South Carolina legislature was prohibited racial gerrymandering, or political gerrymandering, allowed by the 2019 Rucho decision. The new opinion could have a dramatic effect on the 2030 redistricting cycle.