Author: Stephanie MacGillivary
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Connecticut released over 700 inmates since early March due to coronavirus
On April 6, 2020, officials from the Connecticut Department of Corrections announced that 727 people had been released from state prisons since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in early March, the most substantial one-month reduction of the prison population in the state’s history. Ballotpedia is tracking prison inmate release responses by state and local…
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Coronavirus daily update: April 6, 2020
As part of Ballotpedia’s coverage on the coronavirus pandemic, we are compiling a daily summary of major changes in the world of politics, government, and elections happening each day. Here is the summary of changes for April 6, 2020. Federal responses Read more: Political responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020 Senate Minority Leader Chuck…
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Influenza Epidemic of 1918: “Was the ‘Flu’ to Blame?”
The 1918 midterm elections occurred during one of the most severe pandemics in history: the Spanish Flu. As part of our coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ll occasionally look back at a story from the 1918 elections to see how America met the challenges of holding elections during a national health emergency. Voters in northern…
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Wisconsin State Legislature Called to Special Session to Discuss Possible Changes to April 7 Election
On April 3, 2020, Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed an executive order calling the Wisconsin State Legislature to meet in a special session on April 4, 2020, to discuss possible changes to the April 7, 2020, election. Evers will ask the legislature to consider legislation instituting an all-mail election, in which every voter would receive…
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Connecticut closes three courthouses due to coronavirus
On April 1, 2020, Connecticut’s Judicial Branch announced the closure of three courthouses in response to the pandemic. Closure of courts in Stamford were prompted by concern about an employee who may be ill with COVID-19. In addition to Stamford, the Judicial Branch announced that the courts in Milford and Middletown would also close until…
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Ten states have ordered the release of some inmates in response to the coronavirus
Ballotpedia is providing comprehensive coverage on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting America’s political and civic life. Our coverage includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and the effects those responses are having on campaigns and elections. As of April 1, 10 states have ordered the release of inmates at the state…
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California considering inmates for early release to slow coronavirus
On March 31, 2020, California announced that inmates will be granted early release to reduce the prison population in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus within California’s prison system. The inmates being considered for release are currently serving terms for nonviolent crimes and were due to be released within 60 days, and releases will…
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Majority of states have suspended certain court operations and jury trials
On March 22, the West Virginia Supreme Court declared a judicial emergency and suspended jury trials and all in-person proceedings, with a few exceptions, through April 10, 2020. West Virginia joined the majority of states whose judicial branches have decided to suspend certain court operations and jury trials due to the coronavirus pandemic. Through March…
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McNamara appointed Massachusetts Comptroller
On February 11, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker appointed Bill McNamara Comptroller of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, effective Friday, February 21. McNamara’s appointment comes after Comptroller Andrew Maylor announced that he was resigning to accept a position as Vice President and Chief Business Officer of Merrimack College. Before his appointment, McNamara most recently served as Assistant…
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Romeo resigns from New York State Assembly for County Clerk appointment
On February 6, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Jamie Romeo as Monroe County Clerk. Romeo resigned her seat in the 136th district in the New York State Assembly to take the appointment. According to New York law: “Filling of vacancies. Except as hereinafter provided, a vacancy in an elective county office, shall be filled by…