American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

Updates from North Carolina: Fed Court Stays Retroactive Registration Cures; State Court Upholds Shifting Control of Elections Board

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025

We’re in North Carolina today with updates on the partisan attempt to overturn the 2024 state supreme court election, and the legislature’s attempt to strip the governor’s power to appoint the state election board.

What is a ‘Baby FARA’ and Why are States Enacting It?

April 30, 2025April 30, 2025

The federal version of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, has been in place since 1938, but recently, states are passing their own versions, nicknamed “baby FARAs.” What are they, and how do they relate to American Democracy?

US DOJ Removes Senior Managers from Voting Section, Abandons Current Cases, in Further Erosion of Voting Rights Protections

April 29, 2025April 29, 2025

The Trump administration’s U.S. Department of Justice reportedly reassigned top managers of the Voting Section, and instructed remaining attorneys to drop pending cases. This includes voting rights and redistricting cases under the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

The Federal Election Commission is Reportedly Now Out of Commission with the Departure of Another Member. It’s Unlikely to Get Fixed Soon.

April 28, 2025April 28, 2025

As if the Federal Election Commission didn’t have enough problems, another member has reportedly chosen not to continue when his term runs out April 30th. That leaves the normally six-member commission with three, and unable to conduct business.

Federal Judge Blocks Proof of Citizenship Provisions in Trump Executive Order on Elections

April 27, 2025April 27, 2025

A partial victory for pro-voter groups April 24th, as a federal judge blocked the proof of citizenship portion of President Donald Trump’s executive order changing federal elections. The judge did not address other sections, which she suggested were best challenged by states, rather than voters.