Category: State
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Arizona voters to decide a 2022 amendment that would change legislature’s ability to repeal initiatives
In 2022, voters in Arizona will decide a ballot measure to allow the state legislature to amend or repeal voter-approved ballot initiatives in cases where the Arizona Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court declare that a portion of the ballot initiative is unconstitutional or illegal. In Arizona, the legislature must propose a ballot measure to…
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Maine governor vetoes bill prohibiting ballot measure contributions from foreign government-owned entities
On June 23, 2021, Gov. Janet Mills (D) vetoed Legislative Document 194, which was designed to prohibit contributions, expenditures, and participation to influence ballot measures by entities with 10% or more ownership by foreign governments. Mills’ veto letter said, “Even more troubling is this bill’s potential impact on Maine voters. Government is rarely justified in…
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Special election to be held July 13 in Wisconsin Assembly district
A special election is being held on July 13 for District 37 of the Wisconsin State Assembly. Pete Adams (D), William Penterman (R), and Stephen Ratzlaff Jr. (I) are running in the general election. Penterman advanced past the June 15 Republican primary in a field of eight candidates. Adams was unopposed in the Democratic primary.…
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Davidson County court blocks July referendum to amend Nashville’s charter
On June 22, Davidson County Chancellor Russell Perkins ruled that a petition for six charter amendments backed by 4 Good Government was invalid and blocked the amendments from appearing on the July 27 ballot. Perkins ruled that the petition included two proposed election dates, but local law requires that petitioners specify a single election date.…
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How much did your governor make last year?
Eighteen states paid their governor more last year than in 2019, according to the Council of State Governments’ Book of the States. Gubernatorial salaries in 2020 ranged from a low of $70,000 in Maine to a high of $225,000 in New York, with the average governor making $145,370. In the 18 states where a governor’s…
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California secretary of state determines there are enough signatures for recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom to proceed
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber (D) announced that the recall campaign against Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) had enough signatures following the removal period to move forward. She directed the state Department of Finance to begin its cost analysis for the election. Voters who signed the recall petitions had until June 8 to request their…
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Michigan, West Virginia end statewide face-covering requirements
Two states ended statewide public mask requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated people between June 18-24. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) ended most remaining statewide coronavirus restrictions, including the statewide mask mandate, on June 22. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people still have to wear masks on public transportation and at public transportation hubs (like bus stations and…
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New Jersey voters will decide amendment to allow college sports betting on in-state games, New Jersey-based teams
On November 2, N.J. voters will decide at least two constitutional amendments, including an amendment to expand college sports betting. The ballot measure would allow wagering on postseason college sports competitions held in N.J. and competitions in which an N.J.-based college team participates. Currently, the state constitution permits sports betting except on games held in…
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Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signs legislation replacing state’s presidential caucus
Earlier this month, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed a bill into law that replaces the state’s presidential caucus with a primary and seeks to make that primary the first presidential nominating event in 2024. Sisolak said, “This brings me great pride, as the diversity and culture found in the people in the great state…
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Kenyatté Hassell wins Democratic nomination in special primary runoff for Alabama House District 78
A special Democratic primary runoff for District 78 in the Alabama House of Representatives was held on June 22, 2021. Kenyatté Hassell defeated Donald Williams and advanced to the general election. The general election is scheduled for September 7. The filing deadline passed on March 23. Hassell will be running against Loretta Grant (R). The…