Year: 2025
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On this date in 1933, Oregon voters repealed a tax on the sale of oleomargarine, the fourth veto referendum to repeal margarine laws in 13 years
Ninety-two years ago, on July 21, 1933, Oregon voters decided a veto referendum against legislation proposing a tax on the sale of oleomargarine. Voters repealed the tax. The contested legislation would have created a sales tax of four cents per pound on the sale of all oleomargarine, commonly known as margarine, sold in the state of…
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Federal appeals court blocks enforcement of Maine’s Question 2, which barred election spending by corporations that are at least 5% foreign‑owned
In Maine, a federal appellate court upheld a district court’s injunction blocking enforcement of Question 2, which prohibited foreign governments and certain entities from contributing to ballot measure elections. Voters passed Question 2 in 2023 by a margin of 86% to 14%. The First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Question 2 would be unconstitutional…
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California Gov. Newsom says the legislature could take up congressional redistricting. Changing the process may require a constitutional amendment and special election.
After Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called a special legislative session to revise the state’s congressional districts, among other issues, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) responded, “Well, two can play that game.” President Donald Trump (R) stated that a mid-decade redistricting effort in Texas could net Republicans five seats and “there could be some other…
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Voters in San Tan Valley, Arizona, will decide whether to incorporate a new 100,000-person town on Aug. 5
Voters in San Tan Valley, Arizona, an unincorporated area of Pinal County, will decide Proposition 495, which would incorporate the town, on August 5. San Tan Valley is situated southwest of the Phoenix metropolitan area, between the towns of Queen Creek and Florence, with a population exceeding 100,000 residents. If the measure is approved, San…
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What to know about the August 5 primaries for Seattle Public Schools school board
Four seats on the seven-member Seattle Public Schools school board in Washington are up for election on Nov. 4, 2025. Three are up for regular election and one is up for special election. A primary is scheduled for Aug. 5, 2025. The filing deadline for this election was May 9, 2025. Nonpartisan primaries will be…
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A look at the nation’s first federal private school choice program
Welcome to the Friday, July 18, 2025, Brew. By: Lara Bonatesta Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: A look at the nation’s first federal private school choice program An extended version of the story appeared in Ballotpedia’s Hall Pass newsletter on July 16. Click here to read that version. Earlier…
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Missouri attorney general investigates proxy advisory services
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey (R) announced last week his office is investigating Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis, the two largest U.S. proxy advisory firms, alleging they prioritized political agendas over fiduciary duties in their voting recommendations. ISS and Glass Lewis have drawn recent attention in ESG debates. Critics argue their combined market…