Laws changing when to vote?
Lawmakers in North Dakota are considering a number of bills which would change the state’s voting laws. One proposal would prohibit the governor from making changes to state elections under any circumstances. Another would shorten the window of early voting from 15 to seven days. And a third bill would require voters to submit separate applications to receive absentee ballots in the primary and general elections, instead of one application for both.Visit KFYR to learn more. Voter Education Week Young adults will be the nation’s largest
Georgia Democratic lawmakers file bill that would reinstate voting rights to felons
Democrats in Georgia have introduced a bill which would restore voting rights to felons. The bill’s supporters claim that felon disenfranchisement is rooted in the state’s history of preventing African American residents from voting and needs to end. The bill stands little chance of passage, as Republicans largely oppose it.Visit the Atlanta Constitution Journal to learn more. Voter Education Week Young adults will be the nation’s largest voting bloc in the upcoming election and the National Voter Education Week plans to equip them with the tools
GOP lawmaker introduces bill to eliminate early voting list in Arizona following Democrats’ wins
A Republican state representative has introduced bills to eliminate Arizona’s early voting list and require anyone voting by mail to have their ballot notarized. The representative has clarified that he is not serious about eliminating the early voting list but will pursue the notary requirement for mail-in ballots. Arizona Democrats charge that these bills are motivated by Democrats’ recent victories in Arizona and will only make voting in the state harder.Visit AZCentral to learn more. Voter Education Week Young adults will be the nation’s largest voting
Soon to take majority, Senate Democrats introduce voting reform bill
Democrats will soon take control of the Senate and plan to prioritize passing a sweeping voting rights and reform bill that the previous Republican-controlled Senate refused to consider. The bill features reforms designed to make voting easier, including allowing online voter registration and making it illegal to prevent anyone from registering to vote. It also includes campaign finance and ethics reforms and expresses support for statehood for Washington, D.C. and overturning the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United.Visit CBS News to learn more.Image Credit:
Voting rights groups see gerrymandering as potent threat
Despite winning the presidency and the U.S. Senate, Democrats failed to make gains in the nation’s state legislatures during the general election. These state legislatures will play a key role in the redistricting process which will follow the 2020 Census. Voting rights groups are concerned that Republican-led state legislatures, especially those in the South, will draw new congressional districts in a way that dilutes the voting power of African American voters.Visit The Hill to learn more.Image Credit: Johnny Silvercloud (CC BY-SA 2.0) Voter Education Week Young