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
Atlanta mayor issues executive order against Georgia’s new voting law
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued an executive order designed to reduce the impact of Georgia’s new voting law on voters of color. The order plans to find ways to expand access to the ballot box for Atlanta voters, including training city staff on voter registration, how to obtain required identification, and general information concerning early, absentee, and in-person voting.Visit the Atlanta Journal Constitution to learn more.Image credit: Senate Democrats (CC BY 2.0) Voter Education Week Young adults will be the nation’s largest voting bloc
Breaking down claims about Georgia’s election law: What’s true and what’s not?
Since the passage of Georgia’s new election law, parties from across the political spectrum have weighed-in on what it does and does not do. In this report, ABC News breaks down some of the more common claims about the law, including how it affects voting hours and early voting opportunities, ID requirements for mail-in voting, giving food and water to voters waiting in line, ballot drop boxes, and partisan control of county and state election boards.Visit ABC News to learn more. Voter Education Week Young adults
National clashes over voting rights color debate over Minnesota election law proposals
The Minnesota legislature is considering competing bills concerning voting rights and access. The Republican-controlled Senate is pushing a bill which would require unregistered voters to cast provisional ballots which must be evaluated by a judge before being counted. This bill would change Minnesota law, which currently allows for same-day voter registration. The Democrat-controlled House is pushing a bill which would allow felons on probation to vote and allow for automatic voter registration. Despite these disagreements, at least one state lawmaker is optimistic that the