American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

A Maine Ballot Initiative Limiting State Contributions to SuperPACs was Also Ruled Unconstitutional. This One, However, Might Reach SCOTUS.

July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

We reported last fall that Maine voters approved Ballot Question 1, limiting contributions to SuperPACs spending money in state elections. It passed with massive voter support, but like the state’s foreign influence ban, was ruled as likely unconstitutional. That’s what organizers hoped would happen.

Federal 1st Circuit Deems Maine Ballot Initiative Limiting Foreign Spending in State Elections is Likely Unconstitutional

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025

The voices of 86% of Maine voters were silenced July 14th as a federal appeals court found a 2023 ballot initiative limiting political spending by foreign-owned corporations likely violates the Constitution’s right to free speech.

Eighth Circuit ‘Private Right of Action’ Ruling Temporarily Halted by Justice Kavanaugh in Case by North Dakota Tribal Nations

July 22, 2025July 23, 2025

In May, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that individuals, in this case Native Americans, do not have a “private right of action” in voting rights cases. An emergency stay was granted July 22nd, and it’s likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The U.S. Department of Justice is Requesting All Voter Records for 12 States, Likely a Violation of Privacy and Free Speech Rights

July 21, 2025July 21, 2025

The U.S. Department of Justice sent letters to 12 secretaries of state requesting their complete voter records as part of President Trump’s executive order on elections. The reason for the request isn’t completely clear, nor is the legality of such a request, which may violate the privacy and free speech rights of U.S. citizens.

Citing the Equal Protection Clause, FL Supreme Court Allows DeSantis Redistricting Plan to Wipe Out Black Majority Congressional District

July 18, 2025July 20, 2025

The Florida Supreme Court, citing the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, upheld the racial gerrymandering of a North Florida congressional district, which eliminated a long-standing Black majority district. Use of the Equal Protections Clause is the latest anti-voter tactic to undo protections for minority voters.