American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

Florida Voters Retain Public Funding of Elections, as Amendment 6 Repeal Fails to Reach 60% Constitutional Threshold

November 10, 2024November 10, 2024

In an election with few bright spots for democracy, Amendment 6, a repeal of Florida’s public funding of elections option, failed to reach its 60% constitutional threshold, with voters evenly split. Such small donor matching systems help candidates outside the political machine structure to compete, and can help limit special interest influence.

Hoax Bomb Threats, Ballot Shortages, and Unlocked Access Panels Appear to be the Worst of the 2024 Election Problems

November 7, 2024November 7, 2024

State and federal election officials termed most problems encountered in the Nov. 5th Presidential election as routine, with quickly discredited bomb threats and ballot shortages among the worst issues of the day

High Turnout of Conservative Voters Also Led to Losses for Democracy Reform in Ohio, Nevada, Colorado and Potentially Alaska

November 6, 2024November 6, 2024

Democracy reform-related citizen ballot initiatives failed November 5th, as high turnout of GOP voters and deceptive messaging overwhelmed a citizen-led redistricting commission, open primaries and ranked choice voting.

States Increased Security in Election Offices and Polling Places, and Increased Penalties for Threatening or Harassing Election Officials

November 4, 2024November 5, 2024

Election deniers, take notice. Since just 2022, 20 states have tightened laws to protect election workers, upping penalties, expanding definitions of harassment, protecting personal information, and prohibiting “doxing.” In other words, “Don’t mess with election workers.”

Close Races, New Rules, Mail-in Ballots and Election Deniers Mean Election Night is Not Likely to Be Results Night

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024

Election night is unlikely to be “results night”. Irresponsible candidates may exploit an extended time to declare a winner and say there’s something illicit about the process. In fact, it’s our patriotic friends and neighbors who serve as poll workers, taking the time needed to get it right.