American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

Can the Feds Require States to Turn Over Voter Data? A New Paper Suggests Federal Law Doesn’t Explicitly Allow It, So Courts Will Decide.

December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

The Trump Department of Justice has tried for months to compel states to turn over voter registration data. A new university research center analysis suggests existing federal law doesn’t explicitly permit it.

Federal Judges Appear Skeptical of GOP Claims of Racial Gerrymandering in California; Judge Orders New Judicial Districts in Mississippi

December 21, 2025December 21, 2025

A decision from a skeptical three-judge panel is expected December 22nd on Republican claims that California’s Proposition 50 racially gerrymandered Congressional districts. In Mississippi, a federal judge ordered a new map and special elections to remedy a racially gerrymandered state supreme court map.

Joining the Mid-Decade Gerrymandering Arms Race, Two NH GOP Legislators Propose Bill to Redraw the State’s Congressional Maps in 2026

December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

In 2022, New Hampshire Republican Governor Chris Sununu vetoed radically gerrymandered congressional districts, saying the map QUOTE, “Didn’t pass the smell test.” Current GOP Governor Kelly Ayotte stated she’s not supportive of mid-decade redistricting, but two GOP legislators are proposing a 2026 bill anyway.

U.S. DOJ Sues MA, CO, HI and NV to Turn Over Voter Registration Files, but Even Red States are Pushing Back

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

The U.S. Justice Department filed suits December 12th to compel Massachusetts, Colorado, Hawaii and Nevada to turn over voter registration records, including citizenship records and personal data. Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington were sued December 2nd, bringing the total to 18.

Challenge to California Gerrymandering Reaches Federal Courtroom, but the SCOTUS Decision in Texas Could Undercut GOP Arguments

December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

Testimony began December 15th in a Republican challenge to California’s new gerrymandered congressional map. Plaintiffs and the Trump Justice Department claim the legislature racially gerrymandered the maps, but the U.S. Supreme Court’s Texas decision may undercut that claim.