New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) issued one executive order from Feb. 27-March 5. As of March 5, Hochul has issued seven executive orders in 2023—three fewer than she did at this point a year ago.
Governors use executive orders to manage executive branch operations. During the week of Feb. 27-March 5, the nation’s governors issued 16 executive orders. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) issued the most with four. Governors in 40 states issued the fewest orders with zero. Democratic governors issued five of the 16 orders, while Republican governors issued 11.
Hochul has served as governor since Aug. 24, 2021. She issued 64 executive orders in 2022 and 25 in 2021. Nationally, governors issued at least 1,559 executive orders in 2022. Governors have issued 290 executive orders in 2023. Republican governors issued 196, while Democratic governors issued 94. New York is a Democratic trifecta, meaning Democrats control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Mike Zabel (D) announced on March 8 that he would resign from the legislature on March 16. Earlier this month, three women—State Rep. Abby Major (R), Zabel’s former campaign manager, and a lobbyist—each accused Zabel of sexually harassing them in separate incidents over the past several years.
In a series of text messages to the Associated Press after announcing his resignation, Zabel wrote, “Allegations of this nature are impossible to litigate in a public forum. It was always my intention to go through the Ethics Committee process and defend myself there. At this point, though, I am unwilling to put my loved ones through any more of this.”
After Zabel’s resignation, the partisan control of the Pennsylvania House will be 101 Democrats and 100 Republicans, with two vacancies. The other open district was last represented by Lynda Schlegel Culver (R), who won a special election to the state Senate on Jan. 31. State House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D) had set the special election for Schlegel Culver’s district for May 16th, which is the date of Pennsylvania’s statewide judicial primary. Steve Ulrich of Politics PA wrote that “The March 16 effective date of [Zabel’s]…resignation provides McClinton with the minimum 60 days needed to call for a special election for May 16.”
As a result of the 2022 elections, Democrats won 102 seats to Republicans’ 101. However, three seats that Democrats won became vacant at the start of the legislative session due to one member’s death and two members who resigned after also being elected to other offices. This gave Republicans a functional 101-99 seat majority. On January 3, the House elected Rep. Mark Rozzi (D) as speaker by a 115-85 vote, with all 99 Democrats and 16 Republicans voting to approve him for the position. After his election, Rozzi said, “The commonwealth that is home to Independence Hall will now be home to this commonwealth’s first independent speaker of the House. I pledge my allegiance and my loyalty to no interest in this building, to no interest in our politics. I pledge my loyalty to the people of the commonwealth.”
On Feb. 7, Democratic candidates won special elections in all three districts that became vacant after the 2022 elections, which gave Democrats 102 members and a majority in the chamber.
On Feb. 23, Rozzi released a set of proposed rules for the House given that the margin between the two parties was so small. Among his proposals was “making committee composition more proportional between the parties,” “fixing the discharge process so that a committee chairman cannot hold legislation hostage from a majority,” and “providing for increased protection against sexual harassment and discrimination in the House.” The House adopted this set of rules on March 1.
Rozzi stepped down as House speaker on Feb. 28, saying that he had accomplished what he had planned to do and he wanted to make way for McClinton’s election as the chamber’s first female speaker. McClinton was elected speaker that day.
All 203 seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are up for election every two years. Pennsylvania currently has a divided government as Democrats control the governorship, and Republicans have a 28-22 majority in the state Senate.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 10 election-related bills in the North Carolina House of Representatives since the beginning of the year. Of the 10, Ballotpedia tracked two from Feb. 27-March 5. Democrats sponsored one, while Republicans sponsored the other. The two bills are:
NC H152: Even Yr Elections/Maysville & Pollocksville, Rep. Chris Humphrey (R).
This bill changes municipal elections in the towns of Mayville and Pollocksville to be held in even number years.
NC H191: Popular Election, Reps. Kelly Alexander (D), Johnnie Autry (D), Pricey Harrison (D), Abe Jones (D), Carolyn Logan (D), Marvin Lucas (D), Nasif Majeed (D), and Caleb Rudow (D).
Establishes North Carolina as a member of the agreement among states to conduct a presidential election by national popular vote.
Establishes that the state population will conduct a statewide popular election for US president and vice president.
Outlines how the state is to calculate a national popular vote total and to designate an election winner, including certification, timeline, what to do in the case of a tie, and specific circumstances related to nominating electors for the winning candidate.
Provides that this agreement will take effect when states cumulatively possessing a majority of electoral votes have enacted the agreement, with related provisions.
During the week of Feb. 27 to March 5, Ballotpedia tracked 69 House election-related bills nationally. As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 946 House bills nationally. Ballotpedia tracked the most House bills this year in the New York State Assembly with 128, while Ballotpedia tracked the fewest House bills in Alabama, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania with zero. Republicans sponsored 429 of these bills, while Democrats sponsored 388. Third party sponsorship and bills with no sponsors accounted for 67 bills, while bipartisan legislators sponsored 62.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 540 House bills in Democratic trifectas and 317 House bills in Republican trifectas. A trifecta is when one political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Ballotpedia has tracked 89 House bills in states where neither party holds trifecta control.
The North Carolina House is scheduled to be in session from Jan. 11 to Aug. 31 this year. In 2022, Ballotpedia tracked 17 House bills related to election administration. One of these bills passed both chambers, but it was not enacted into law. North Carolina is a divided government, meaning neither party holds trifecta control.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked four election-related bills in the Wisconsin House of Representatives since the beginning of the year. Of the four, Ballotpedia tracked one from Feb. 27-March 5. Republicans sponsored the bill. The bill is:
WI AB76: Restoration of the right to vote to a person barred from voting as a result of a felony conviction (FE), Assembly Members Elijah Behnke (R), Ty Bodden (R), Cindi Duchow (R), James Edming (R), Rick Gundrum (R), Gae Magnafici (R), David Murphy (R), Jeffrey Mursau (R), William Penterman (R), Nik Rettinger (R), Donna Rozar (R), Shae Sortwell (R), John Spiros (R), Paul Tittl (R), Ron Tusler (R), and Sen. Duey Stroebel (R).
This bill restores the right to vote to a convicted felon who has paid all fines and served the community service associated with the conviction.
During the week of Feb. 27 to March 5, Ballotpedia tracked 69 House election-related bills nationally. As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 946 House bills nationally. Ballotpedia tracked the most House bills this year in the New York State Assembly with 128, while Ballotpedia tracked the fewest House bills in Alabama, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania with zero. Republicans sponsored 429 of these bills, while Democrats sponsored 388. Third party sponsorship and bills with no sponsors accounted for 67 bills, while bipartisan legislators sponsored 62.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 540 House bills in Democratic trifectas and 317 House bills in Republican trifectas. A trifecta is when one political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Ballotpedia has tracked 89 House bills in states where neither party holds trifecta control.
The Wisconsin House is scheduled to be in session from Jan. 3 to Dec. 31 this year. In 2022, Ballotpedia tracked 45 House bills related to election administration. One of these bills passed both chambers and was enacted into law. Wisconsin is a divided government, meaning neither party holds trifecta control.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 128 election-related bills in the New York State Assembly since the beginning of the year. Of the 128, Ballotpedia tracked six from Feb. 27 to March 5. Democrats sponsored five, while Republicans sponsored one. The six bills are:
NY A00479: Establishes a ranked choice voting method for nonpartisan primary elections, Assembly Members Robert Carroll (D) and Harvey Epstein (D).
This bill establishes ranked-choice voting for all non-partisan primary elections, except the presidential primaries and provides provisions for the procedures for voting, ballots to be used, and voter education.
NY A05007: Enables constitutionally-qualified electors to register to vote and to cast a ballot on the same day at a polling location, Assembly Member Kenneth Burgos (D)
Supplies that a qualified voter may complete a conditional voter registration and cast an affidavit ballot at an early voting or election day polling location.
Specifies that a conditional voter registration is deemed effective if the board of elections is able to determine the registrant is eligible, and has registered using accurate information matching information contained in the database, before or during the canvass period.
Requires the board to provide conditional voter registration and voting at all early voting and election day polling locations.
NY A04962: Requires that all candidates for elected local, state or federal office shall be required to caption any video advertisement which is viewed by the general public, Assembly Member Jennifer Lunsford (D).
This bill requires candidates to ensure any video advertisement or promotion in which the candidate appears include clear, conspicuous captions that are either auto generated or added by the candidate.
NY A04777: Increases the term of office of an election commissioner from two to four years beginning January first of each odd numbered year, Assembly Member J. Gary Pretlow (D).
This bill changes the term of office for an election commissioner from two years to four years, and removes exceptions for New York city and Schenectady.
NY A04758: Requires the county seat in Fulton county to have at least one polling place designated for early voting, Assembly Member Robert Smullen (R).
This bill requires the county seat in Fulton county to have at least one early voting polling place.
NY A04741: Authorizes the Westchester county board of elections to merge any election district with 50 or fewer registered voters into an existing election district, Assembly Member J. Gary Pretlow (D).
This bill authorizes the board of elections in the county of Westchester to merge an election district with 50 registered voters or fewer into another existing election district, with certain requirements and limitations.
During the week of Feb. 27 to March 5, Ballotpedia tracked 69 House election-related bills nationally. As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 946 House bills nationally. Ballotpedia tracked the most House bills this year in the New York State Assembly with 128, while Ballotpedia tracked the fewest House bills in Alabama, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania with zero. Republicans sponsored 429 of these bills, while Democrats sponsored 388. Third party sponsorship and bills with no sponsors accounted for 67 bills, while bipartisan legislators sponsored 62.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 540 House bills in Democratic trifectas and 317 House bills in Republican trifectas. A trifecta is when one political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Ballotpedia has tracked 89 House bills in states where neither party holds trifecta control.
The New York House is scheduled to be in session from Jan. 4 to June 8 this year. In 2022, Ballotpedia tracked 226 House bills related to election administration. Seven of these bills passed both chambers and five were enacted into law. New York is a Democratic trifecta.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 47 election-related bills in the New Jersey State Senate since the beginning of the year. Of the 47, Ballotpedia tracked one from Feb. 27 to March 5. The bill was bipartisan. The bill is:
NJ S2866: Establishes “Elections Transparency Act;” requires reporting of campaign contributions in excess of $200; increases contribution limits; concerns independent expenditure committees, certain business entity contributions, and certain local provisions; requires appropriation, Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D).
Increases gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidate spending limits and requires they be revised every two years starting in 2023, instead of every four years.
Requires reporting to the election law enforcement commission by a political committee with contributions of more than $200 (instead of $500) and outlines related procedures and timelines.
Requires independent expenditure committees making electioneering communications to file certain contribution reports on a specified timetable for contributions in excess of $7,500 (instead of $10,000).
Provides that a contract with an anticipated excess value of $17,500, but below the public bidding threshold, may be awarded by the qualified purchasing agent of the contracting unit.
During the week of Feb. 27-March 5, Ballotpedia tracked 37 Senate election-related bills nationally. As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 632 Senate bills nationally. Ballotpedia tracked the most Senate bills this year in the New York State Senate with 117, while Ballotpedia tracked the fewest Senate bills in Louisiana, Massachusetts, and West Virginia with zero. Republicans sponsored 289 of these bills, while Democrats sponsored 261. Third party sponsorship and bills with no sponsors accounted for 59 bills, while bipartisan legislators sponsored 23.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 342 Senate bills in Democratic trifectas and 222 Senate bills in Republican trifectas. A trifecta is when one political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Ballotpedia has tracked 68 Senate bills in states where neither party holds trifecta control.
The New Jersey Senate is scheduled to be in session from Jan. 10 to Dec. 31 this year. In 2022, Ballotpedia tracked 57 Senate bills related to election administration. Zero of these bills passed both chambers. New Jersey is a Democratic trifecta.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked seven election-related bills in the Florida State Senate since the beginning of the year. Of the seven, Ballotpedia tracked four from Feb. 27-March 5. Republicans sponsored three, while Democrats sponsored one. The four bills are:
FL S0004: Statewide Prosecutor, Sen. Jonathan Martin (R).
Provides that the Department of Legal Affairs in the Office of Statewide Prosecution will investigate any crime involving voting in federal, state, referendum, initiative, and issue elections, as well as any petition activities for said elections.
Provides that the Department of Legal Affairs in the Office of Statewide Prosecution will investigate any crime involving voter registration.
Provides that the Department of Legal Affairs in the Office of Statewide Prosecution will investigate any attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit related crimes.
Empowers the office to act in specified circumstances.
Requires information and indictments to contain general allegations stating where the crimes are alleged to have occurred.
Changes the Secretary of State from an appointed to elected position, for four years terms and elected at the same time as the general election for governor, lieutenant governor, and other cabinet offices.
Requires applications for voter registration to require an individual to pick a party or choose “no party affiliation.”
Allows individuals to register to vote at early voting or election day polling locations and vote after registering.
Requires supervisor of elections to mark voters as inactive if they did not vote in at least one of the last two general elections. Voters will be notified and have 30 days to return the form to stay active. Inactive voters can be marked as active again by requesting vote-by-mail ballots or voting.
Prohibits polling locations from being in gated communities unless every resident in the precinct lives in that community.
Allows individuals to provide food and water, and other items, to voters if it is outside of the no-solicitation zone.
Requires candidate names be listed randomly on the ballot.
FL S0698: Local Tax Referenda Requirements, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R).
FL S1248: Political Parties, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R).
During the week of Feb. 27-March 5, Ballotpedia tracked 37 Senate election-related bills nationally. As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 632 Senate bills nationally. Ballotpedia tracked the most Senate bills this year in the New York State Senate with 117, while Ballotpedia tracked the fewest Senate bills in Louisiana, Massachusetts, and West Virginia with zero. Republicans sponsored 289 of these bills, while Democrats sponsored 261. Third party sponsorship and bills with no sponsors accounted for 59 bills, while bipartisan legislators sponsored 23.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 342 Senate bills in Democratic trifectas and 222 Senate bills in Republican trifectas. A trifecta is when one political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Ballotpedia has tracked 68 Senate bills in states where neither party holds trifecta control.
The Florida Senate is scheduled to be in session from March 7 to May 5 this year. In 2022, Ballotpedia tracked 16 Senate bills related to election administration. Four of these bills passed both chambers and three were enacted into law. Florida is a Republican trifecta.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked two election-related bills in the Iowa House of Representatives since the beginning of the year. Of the two, Ballotpedia tracked one from Feb. 27 to March 5. The one bill is:
IA HF470: A bill for an act relating to the conduct of elections, including provisions related to absentee ballots, recounts, and contested gubernatorial elections and impeachments, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 356), no sponsors listed.
During the week of Feb. 27 to March 5, Ballotpedia tracked 69 House election-related bills nationally. As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 946 House bills nationally. Ballotpedia tracked the most House bills this year in the New York State Assembly with 128, while Ballotpedia tracked the fewest House bills in Alabama, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania with zero. Republicans sponsored 429 of these bills, while Democrats sponsored 388. Third party sponsorship and bills with no sponsors accounted for 67 bills, while bipartisan legislators sponsored 62.
As of March 5, Ballotpedia has tracked 540 House bills in Democratic trifectas and 317 House bills in Republican trifectas. A trifecta is when one political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. Ballotpedia has tracked 89 House bills in states where neither party holds trifecta control.
The Iowa House is scheduled to be in session from Jan. 9 to April 28 this year. In 2022, Ballotpedia tracked five House bills related to election administration. Zero of these bills passed both chambers. Iowa is a Republican trifecta.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court issued two opinions from Feb. 27-Mar. 5. As of March 5, the court issued 14 opinions in 2023—one more than this point a year ago. The two opinions are below:
From Feb. 27-March 5, state supreme courts issued 135 opinions nationally. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued the most with 39. Supreme courts in 19 states issued the fewest with zero. Courts where judges are elected have issued 83 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 52.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort and has seven judgeships. The current chief of the court is Annette Ziegler. The court issued 68 opinions in 2022 and 79 in 2021. Nationally, state supreme courts issued 9,243 opinions in 2022 and 10,133 in 2021. The courts have issued 1,361 opinions in 2023. Courts where judges are elected have issued 864 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 497. Wisconsin is a divided government, meaning neither party holds trifecta control.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals issued three opinions from Feb. 27-March 5. The Texas Supreme Court issued one opinion from Feb. 27-March 5. Both courts are the state’s courts of last resort. As of March 5, the court of criminal appeals issued 66 opinions in 2023—26 more than this point a year ago. The supreme court issued 15 opinions as of March 5, 2023—eight fewer than this point a year ago. The four opinions are below:
From Feb. 27-March 5, state supreme courts issued 135 opinions nationally. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued the most with 39. Supreme courts in 19 states issued the fewest with zero. Courts where judges are elected have issued 83 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 52.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court are the state’s courts of last resort. The former is the state’s court of last resort for criminal matters, while the latter is the state’s court of last resort for civil matters; both have nine judgeships. Sharon Keller and Nathan Hecht are the current chiefs of the criminal and supreme courts, respectively. Combined, the courts issued 413 opinions in 2022 and 536 in 2021. Nationally, state supreme courts issued 9,243 opinions in 2022 and 10,133 in 2021. The courts have issued 1,361 opinions in 2023. Courts where judges are elected have issued 864 opinions, while courts whose members are appointed have issued 497. Texas is a Republican trifecta, meaning Republicans control the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.
