Measures on absentee ballots, voting issues OK’d by Senate
The Arkansas state Senate has passed bills concerning absentee ballots. The bill in question prohibits election officials from sending voters unsolicited absentee ballot applications and requires that a voter’s absentee ballot signature match the one on their voter registration application. The bill passed along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats (and one independent) voting against. Visit the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette to learn more. Image Credit: Jimmy Smith (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) Voter Education Week Young adults will be the nation’s largest voting bloc in the upcoming
‘Kiss of death’: Advocates warn Democrats’ voting bill could harm immigrants
Progressives have expressed concern over a provision in the For the People Act which could have devastating consequences for the immigrant community. Specifically, they are concerned about the provision which requires automatic voter registration when applying for a driver’s license or state identification card. If a non-citizen immigrant on a visa or green card were mistakenly registered to vote, it could result in their being permanently barred from attaining U.S. citizenship. Progressives and Democrats are in conversation about whether to address this potential loophole
CEOs plan new push on voting legislation
The CEOs and senior leaders of dozens of companies have met to discuss what to do about voting laws being considered in Texas and other states. Those involved in the meeting are planning on issuing a statement opposing the recent efforts in several states to pass legislation which critics claim will restrict access to the ballot. Several of the executives at the meeting expressed support for the proposed statement, arguing that it would ultimately be good for business. Others expressed concern that any statement
One Man Fights For Missourians With Felonies To Regain Voting Rights When Released
A profile of Ronnie Amiyn, one of more than 3,400 St. Louis residents who are unable to vote because they are currently on probation or parole. Amiyn speaks to the frustration he feels in being unable to fully participate in and contribute to his community now that he is out of prison. Legislation has been introduced to restore voting rights to Missorians upon release from prison, but it is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled state legislature.Visit St. Louis Public Radio to learn more. Voter
House to vote on DC statehood bill during week of April 19
Congressional Democrats plan to vote on legislation which would make Washington, D.C., the 51st state. Despite having a population of over 700,000 people (larger than either Vermont or Wyoming) and paying more in federal taxes than 21 states, Washington, D.C., does not have any voting representation in Congress or full control over its local affairs. The legislation will likely pass in the House of Representatives, but is expected to stall in the Senate, where 60 votes would be needed to end a potential filibuster