American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

The Supreme Court’s Attack on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 Affects Native American Voters, Too. Proposed Legislation Could Fix It.

November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

The ink wasn’t yet dry on the Indian Citizens Act of 1924 when voter suppression of Native Americans began. Natives have been fighting for their right to register and vote, proper representation, and fair voting districts ever since. Three pieces of legislation being blocked in Congress could fix it.

The Purcell Principle, Often Used in the SCOTUS Shadow Docket, Will Be Argued in the Texas Gerrymandering Decision. What is it?

November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

The Purcell Principle is supposed to keep last minute changes in election law from creating chaos before and during elections. It’s also been unevenly applied in lower courts and the U.S. Supreme Court’s so-called ‘shadow docket', and is being argued again in the current Texas racial gerrymandering case.

Hawaii Commission Proposes End to Universal Mail Ballots; Ohio May End Mail Ballot Grace Period; New Montana Law Increased Ballot Rejections

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

We have state updates on mail-in voting rules today. Hawaii’s election commission recommended ending the state’s mail-in voting system; Ohio’s governor is expected to sign a bill ending its mail-ballot grace period; and Montana’s new law requiring a birth date on mail-in ballots was the number one reason for ballot rejection.

With Candidates Ready to File, SCOTUS Temporarily Blocks Ruling on Texas Racial Gerrymandering, Louisiana Gerrymandering Decision Still Pending

November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

As congressional candidates get ready for the 2026 midterms, the districts in which they run are still in limbo, waiting for the outcomes of two important racial gerrymandering cases in Texas and Louisiana.

Kansas AG Kobach Announces Noncitizen Voting Charges Against Local Mayor, and Promises ‘Hundreds More’ Prosecutions. It’s Highly Unlikely.

November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Charges of illegal noncitizen voting have been filed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach against a respected local mayor, who just won reelection with 83% of the vote. The politically ambitious Kobach promises “hundreds” more prosecutions. It’s highly unlikely.