Category: State
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About 1.7 million signatures filed for second version of California split roll tax initiative
On April 2, 2020, the campaign Schools and Communities First reported filing 1.7 million signatures for a ballot initiative to require commercial and industrial properties, except those zoned as commercial agriculture, to be taxed based on their market value, rather than their purchase price. At least 997,139 signatures need to be valid. The ballot initiative…
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Former State Rep. McCoy appointed as U.S. attorney for South Carolina
U.S. Attorney General William Barr appointed South Carolina Rep. Peter McCoy (R) as the interim United States attorney for the District of South Carolina on March 30. McCoy resigned from the state House of Representatives that day to be sworn in to the position. Pres. Donald Trump (R) nominated McCoy to a permanent U.S. attorney…
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Wisconsin Senate Minority Leader will not seek re-election
Wisconsin State Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling (D) announced April 2 she would not seek re-election. Shilling’s announcement comes after spending nearly 20 years in the state legislature. In a statement, Shilling said, “It was not an easy decision, but I know it is time to put my family first and look to a future…
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Mississippi State Rep. Andrews resigns
Mississippi state representative William Andrews (R) resigned March 31 from the Mississippi Legislature, effective immediately. Andrews said that he resigned from the House in order to receive his pension earned while serving as a county judge. Andrews’ resignation comes two months after former state representative Ramona Blackledge (R) left the state House. Blackledge stated that…
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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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Two recall elections on the ballot in Elizabeth, Colorado
Recall elections against Mayor Megan Vasquez and trustee Tammy Payne are taking place on April 7 in Elizabeth, Colorado. Vasquez, Payne, and five other trustees were targeted for recall in August 2019. Trustees June Jurczewsky and Rachel White were removed from their positions as a result of recall elections on December 17, 2019. Recall elections…
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Alabama, Missouri issue stay-at-home orders
On April 3, Alabama and Missouri issued orders closing nonessential businesses and requiring individuals to remain in their homes except for essential activities. Alabama’s order is in effect from April 4 through April 30. Missouri’s order is in effect from April 6 through April 24. To date, 42 states have issued stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders…
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Coronavirus daily update: April 3, 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 3, 2020. Federal responses Read more: Political responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020 The Supreme Court of…
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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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Governor appoints Murdock to North Carolina State Senate
Gov. Roy Cooper (D) appointed Natalie Murdock (D) to the District 20 seat of the North Carolina State Senate. Murdock’s appointment took effect on April 1, 2020. She won the Democratic primary in the district on March 3. Murdock replaces Henry Michaux, Jr. (D), who represented the district since January 13. Gov. Cooper appointed Michaux…