Category: State
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Idaho legislature adjourns, two referred constitutional amendments on the ballot in 2026
The Idaho State Legislature adjourned sine die on April 10, 2025, with the next legislative session scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026. Two constitutional amendments were referred by the legislature during the 2025 session and will appear on the ballot in November 2026: HJR 4 and HJR 6. HJR 4 would provide that “only…
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State legislators face second-most recall efforts in Q1 2025
State legislators were included in the second-highest number of recall efforts this year out of all office types as of April 11, 2025. Ballotpedia had tracked recall efforts against 30 state legislators, which was second only to city council members, who saw 75 officeholders included in recall efforts. All 30 state legislators included in recall…
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Utah lawmakers pass laws designed to assert state sovereignty and limit federal influence
Utah lawmakers passed eight bills and resolutions to assert state sovereignty and limit federal influence during the 2025 legislative session, which ended March 7. These measures address fiscal independence, regulatory oversight, and election authority. Utah has a Republican trifecta, with Republican control of the governor’s office, state senate, and state house. Below are the federalism-related…
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Hawaii voters to decide in 2026 on amendment extending Senate review period for judicial appointments
The Hawaii State Legislature approved a constitutional amendment increasing the timeline for the state Senate to act on judicial appointments. The amendment will appear on the ballot for voter approval on Nov. 3, 2026. Currently, the state constitution requires the Senate to act on judicial appointments within 30 days. If the Senate does not reject…
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2025 trifecta vulnerability ratings show New Jersey somewhat vulnerable, Virginia trifecta possible
New Jersey’s Democratic state government trifecta is somewhat vulnerable in 2025, and a new Democratic trifecta in Virginia is a moderate possibility according to Ballotpedia’s 2025 trifecta vulnerability ratings. A state government trifecta occurs when one party holds the governorship and majorities in both state legislative chambers. Ballotpedia’s annual trifecta vulnerability ratings estimate the chances of trifectas…
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Four out of five elections were uncontested in Illinois, Wisconsin on April 1
Illinois and Wisconsin held a combined 18,641 elections on April 1, primarily local elections to school boards, city councils, and other special districts. But, in both states, it was clear who the winners would be in a majority of those elections since more than four out of every five elections were uncontested. An uncontested election…
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Kentucky Legislature overrides veto on Medicaid work requirements bill
On March 27th, the Kentucky Legislature voted to override Gov. Beshear’s (D) veto of House Bill 695, which requires the state to seek work requirements for able-bodied adult Medicaid recipients. Kentucky has a divided government with a Republican-controlled legislature and a Democratic governor. Kentucky is one of six states that require a simple majority vote…
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Maryland voters to decide on changes to vacancy procedures for Judicial Disabilities Commission in 2026
The Maryland State Legislature voted to send a constitutional amendment to the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot that would change how vacancies are filled on the Judicial Disabilities Commission. The amendment would allow the chair of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities to appoint former members to temporarily fill vacancies or allow the governor to appoint a…
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Wisconsin voters approve measure to add voter photo ID to state constitution
On April 1, Wisconsin voters approved a constitutional amendment to add voter photo ID to the state constitution. As of April 2, the margin was 62.74% to 37.26%. State law already requires photo ID to vote. By adding the requirement to the Wisconsin Constitution, Question 1 effectively raised the threshold to make changes to the…
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State supreme court vacancy count for March 2025
In this month’s state supreme court vacancy update, Ballotpedia tracked announced retirements, nominations, appointments, confirmations, and the swearing-in of justices from March 1, 2025, to March 30, 2025. Ballotpedia tracks court vacancies in all 52 state supreme courts. Announced retirements: During March 2025, one justice announced her retirement from her seat. Candidates nominated, appointed, and…