Year: 2021
-
Ballotpedia publishes June’s edition of State Ballot Measure Monthly
This edition of the State Ballot Measure Monthly report covers certifications and a selection of notable ballot measure news from May 17 through June 17. Here are the highlights: • 10 statewide measures were certified for the 2021 ballot in Louisiana, Maine, New York, and Texas. • One measure was removed from the 2021 ballot…
-
Jennifer Konfrst elected as minority leader of Iowa House
Democrats in the Iowa House of Representatives selected Rep. Jennifer Konfrst (D-43) as the new House minority leader on June 14. Konfrst replaces Rep. Todd Prichard (D-52), who announced on June 2 that he would be stepping down as minority leader. Konfrst is the first woman to lead the Iowa House Democrats. “I’m honored to earn…
-
Reviewing government responses to the coronavirus pandemic from one year ago this week
Although the first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was confirmed on Jan. 21, 2020, it wasn’t until March when the novel coronavirus upended life for most Americans. Throughout the year, states issued stay-at-home orders, closed schools, restricted travel, issued mask mandates, and changed election dates. Here are the policy changes that happened June 22-26,…
-
New York City primaries for mayor, city comptroller to be held on June 22
Primaries for the mayor and comptroller of New York City will be held on Tuesday, June 22. The winners will advance to the general election on November 2, 2021. Thirteen Democrats and two Republicans are running in the primaries for mayor of New York City. Incumbent Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) is not running for re-election…
-
Maine voters to decide ballot initiative on electric transmission corridor through state’s Upper Kennebec Region
On November 2, 2021, voters in Maine will decide a ballot initiative to prohibit the construction of electric transmission lines in the Upper Kennebec Region, including the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), which began construction in the region on May 13. The ballot initiative would also require a two-thirds vote of each state legislative…
-
President Biden nominates six to Article III courts; two to D.C. local courts
President Joe Biden (D) nominated six individuals to Article III judgeships with lifetime terms on June 15: • Myrna Pérez, to the United States Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit • Jia Cobb, to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia • Sarah A.L. Merriam, to the United States District Court…
-
Melanie Stansbury sworn in to Congress on June 14
U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D) was sworn in to represent New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District on June 14. Stansbury defeated Mark Moores (R), 60% to 36%. to win a special election for the seat on June 1. The seat became vacant when former Rep. Debra Haaland (D) left office to become secretary of the interior. …
-
Ohio House of Representatives expels former speaker Larry Householder
The Ohio House of Representatives voted 75-21 on June 16 to expel former House Speaker Larry Householder (R). Householder was arrested on July 21, 2020, and charged with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering scheme. He allegedly participated in a $60 million bribery case related to the legislative passage of a $1.5 billion funding bill…
-
Reviewing noteworthy endorsers’ picks for New York City mayor, comptroller
New York City holds primaries for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, five borough presidents, and 51 city council seats on June 22. As part of our in-depth coverage of the mayoral and comptroller elections, Ballotpedia has tracked Democratic primary endorsements from major local papers, members of Congress, and influential unions and groups. Below, we highlight several…
-
Vermont ends statewide face-covering requirement
One state ended statewide public mask requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated people between June 12-17. Vermont Governor Phil Scott (R) lifted all remaining coronavirus restrictions in the state, including capacity restrictions and mask requirements for unvaccinated individuals on June 14. Masks are still required in health care settings, in long-term care facilities, on public transportation,…