American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

NV Judge Upholds Discriminatory Voter ID Ballot Measure, While Striking Down Another Ballot Measure Establishing an Independent Redistricting Commission

March 12, 2024March 12, 2024

A Nevada circuit court judge issued a pair of eyebrow-raising orders March 6th on proposed citizen ballot measures. One order UPHELD a proposed strict and possibly discriminatory voter ID initiative, and the other STRUCK DOWN a measure proposing a pro-voter independent redistricting commission.

Alabama Legislature Poised to Add More Barriers to Absentee Voting, Claiming ‘Ballot Harvesting’, Despite No Evidence

March 11, 2024March 11, 2024

The Alabama legislature is poised to further restrict absentee voting, claiming it is protecting elections from “ballot harvesting.” Democracy advocates point to little evidence of abuse, and claim it’s another round of voter suppression of vulnerable citizens.

Oregon Legislature Passes Campaign Contribution Limits and Disclosure, Dodging an Even Stricter Ballot Initiative

March 10, 2024March 10, 2024

Oregon’s legislature took a step March 7th to limit the influence of money in politics by capping campaign finance contributions. But it may preempt an even stricter ballot initiative.

Iowa House Bill Requires Mail Ballots to Be Returned Before Election Day, Bans RCV, and Allows Convicted Felons to Qualify to Run in Federal Elections

March 7, 2024March 7, 2024

The Republican-dominated Iowa House passed regulations March 5th which would require voters to return mail ballots the day BEFORE election day. House File 2610 also stops use of ballot drop boxes, bans ranked choice voting, and allows felons to run for federal office.

Nonpartisan Report Recommends Ways Local Officials Can Expand Voter Participation and Recruit Election Workers Using Public/Private Partnerships

March 6, 2024March 6, 2024

The nonpartisan Fair Elections Center released a report to state and local election officials in February suggesting ways voter participation can be expanded. Recommendations include expanding voter registration options, making use of public/private partnerships to distribute voting information, developing communication plans, and expanding poll worker training.