Category: State
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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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One incumbent defeated in Arkansas primary runoff elections
Three Republican primary runoff elections were held in Arkansas for state legislative seats on March 31, 2020. No other party held primary runoff elections. On the ballot were state House Districts 53, 90, and 91. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2020. District 90 Rep. Jana Della Rosa was the only incumbent on…
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West Virginia postpones statewide primary to June 9, 2020
On April 1, 2020, Governor Jim Justice (R) issued an executive order postponing West Virginia’s statewide primary, including its presidential preference primary, to June 9, 2020. The primary was originally scheduled to take place on May 12, 2020. According to the press release announcing the postponement, “Secretary of State [Mac] Warner said his office continues…
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Coronavirus daily update: April 1, 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 1, 2020. Federal responses Read more: Political responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020 No updates today. Election…
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Florida governor issues stay-at-home order
On April 1, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) issued an executive order closing nonessential businesses and requiring individuals to remain in their homes except for essential activities. DeSantis’ order is effective from April 2 through April 30. It does not impact schools in the state, which were already closed through May 1. Thirty-five states have…
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Idaho to conduct May 19, 2020, primary election by mail
On March 30, 2020, Governor Brad Little (R) and Secretary of State Lawerence Denney (R) announced that Idaho’s May 19, 2020, primary election would be conducted entirely by mail. According to the press release announcing the change, “The Governor and Secretary of State will work with the Attorney General and the clerks of Idaho’s 44…
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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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States have issued 758 executive orders in response to the coronavirus pandemic
As of March 31, governors and state agencies have issued 758 executive orders in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Executive orders are orders issued by a state’s executive branch that do not require legislative approval and are typically based on constitutional or statutory authority. The three states with the most executive orders so far are…
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Three measures are set to appear on South Dakota’s 2020 ballot
Two citizen initiatives and one legislatively referred constitutional amendment will appear on the November ballot in South Dakota. The signature deadline for ballot measures targeting the 2020 ballot in South Dakota passed on November 3, 2019. The South Dakota State Legislature, which can refer measures to the ballot, adjourned on March 30, 2020. The two citizen…
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Thirty states have issued stay-at-home orders so far
As of March 31, 30 of the 50 states have issued stay-at-home orders to residents. Although the names of the orders—shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, stay home, stay safe—vary from state to state, they include at least two common elements: the closure of nonessential businesses and requesting all residents to stay home except for essential trips. California was…