Year: 2025
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Nevada Governor vetoes drop box bill
On May 22, 2025, Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) vetoed AB 306, a bill that would have increased the availability of mail ballot drop boxes and added new security requirements for maintaining them. Under current law, county clerks must make a ballot drop box available at every polling location while that polling place is open, including…
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One hundred years after Pierce v. Society of Sisters, ballot measures continue to shape school choice policy
One hundred years ago, on June 1, 1925, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, striking down a voter-approved ballot initiative, Oregon Measure Nos. 314-315, which required children to attend public schools. The Court held that “the child is not the mere creature of the State” and “the fundamental…
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Federal government weighs in on Texas antitrust suit against Big Three
The U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission filed a statement of interest last week in an 11-state, Texas-led lawsuit alleging BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard colluded to suppress coal production, violating antitrust laws. The statement argued ESG-related coordination among asset managers could raise valid antitrust concerns. Republican-led, energy-producing states like Texas have long…
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Sen. Tommy Tuberville announces 2026 run for governor of Alabama
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) announced on May 28, 2025, that he will run for governor of Alabama in 2026 rather than another term in the U.S. Senate. The seat is open since incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey (R) is term-limited. As of May 28, 2025, independent race forecasters The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections have…
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Fourteen states have passed policies on K-12 public school cell phone use in 2025
Welcome to the Thursday, May 29, 2025, Brew. By: Lara Bonatesta Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Fourteen states have passed policies on K-12 public school cell phone use in 2025 As part of our ongoing coverage of education policy, we ran a story earlier this month on the states…
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Sen. Tommy Tuberville announces 2026 run for governor of Alabama
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) announced on May 28, 2025, that he will run for governor of Alabama in 2026 rather than another term in the U.S. Senate. The seat is open since incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey (R) is term-limited. As of May 28, 2025, independent race forecasters The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections have…
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Ballot measure update: Texas adds 7 more for 2025; Alaska campaign finance and Missouri abortion measures certified for 2026
The number of certified statewide ballot measures for both 2025 and 2026 is trending above average compared to previous election cycles as of May 27. 2025 ballot measures For 2025, 22 statewide ballot measures have been certified in six states—Colorado, Louisiana, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. This is nine more than the average of 13…
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Oklahoma enacts pay-per-signature ban, residency requirement, signature distribution requirement, and funding disclosure rules for ballot initiative petitions
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R) signed Senate Bill 1027 (SB 1027) on May 27, enacting changes to the state’s initiative and referendum processes. The bill passed in the Oklahoma State Legislature with all Democrats voting against and all but six Republicans in favor. Oklahoma is one of 26 states with an initiative process. Citizens in…
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Eighteen special legislative elections to happen in Mississippi—more than any other state so far this year
Welcome to the Wednesday, May 28, Brew. By: Briana Ryan Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Eighteen special legislative elections to happen in Mississippi—more than any other state so far this year Fifteen more state legislative special elections will happen this year in Mississippi—10 in the Mississippi Senate and five…