American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

Donations to Trump’s Inauguration May Reach $200M, Funding the Parade, Inaugural Balls . . . and Pay-to-Play Influence

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Donald Trump’s inaugural committee has received $170 Million dollars in contributions, and it’s expected to reach $200 Million – almost double his 2017 total. Yes, the contributions pay for the inaugural balls, but inaugural funds are also a vehicle for corporate “pay to play” contributions, currying favor for federal contracts, lenient legislation, or access to the President.

An Estimated $15.9 Billion was Spent in the 2024 Election Cycle, and 50% of It Came from the Top 1% of Special Interest Donors

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025

As we approach the 15th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s fateful Citizens United decision, we consider the estimated $15.9 billion dollars spent in the 2024 campaign. That’s a lot of special interest influence.

SAVE Act Reintroduced in U.S. House and Senate, Requiring IDs and Proof of Citizenship for In-Person and Mail-In Voting. Millions of Eligible Voters Could Be Disenfranchised.

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025

U.S. House and Senate Republicans reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE Act, mandating proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections and requiring only certain types of ID be used. Millions of American citizens could have trouble voting.

After 2 Years of Delays, Automatic Voter Registration is Finally Coming to New York

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed automatic voter registration into law in December of 2020, to begin in January of 2023. Pandemic, technical, and bidding delays ensued, but preparation for voter registration at the DMV and other state agencies has finally begun.

GOP-Controlled NH Legislature Proposes Proportional Presidential Electoral Votes. Will Gerrymandered Congressional Districts Follow?

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025

Legislation unveiled Monday by the New Hampshire Senate would change the state’s four Presidential electoral votes from “winner take all” to “proportional,” based on which party wins its two Congressional districts. Gerrymander the districts, and you guarantee more votes for your Presidential candidate.