Watson v. Republican National Committee

We need to be prepared to educate voters regarding the pending decision in Watson v. Republican Party. The Supreme Court heard it this week, and might rule against accepting any ballots AFTER election day, even if they were postmarked on election day. The decision might be released as late as September.

NOTE: I am attaching a table displaying action on bills from the New Mexico short session.  A table from the Oregon short session with links to the bills supported or opposed by League testimony as well as links to League testimony can be found here  

 

Alabama  

Their entire unicameral legislature is up for reelection.

A terrific prison reform bill was filed near the end of the session.  It is too late for passage, but there will be a pilot program created this year, and it is hoped that the bill will be re-introduced next year.

 

Alaska

A bipartisan omnibus election bill passed the legislature. It permits ballot curing, prepaid absentee postage, and more tools to clean the voter list.  They are waiting to see whether Gov. signs the bill

 

California

LWVCA has used Capital Tracks as a legislation tracker for a number of years. It organizes bills by topic.

California has taken steps to protect ballots in drop boxes by ensuring the opening is very narrow and by creating rules for handling damaged ballots.

They also have an omnibus election bill, which includes:

·       Increasing the buffer zone for campaigning and for ICE up to 200 feet at polling places

·       Extending the day for receipt of postmarked ballots up to 10 days after election day

·       Increase the number of drop off locations

·       All drop off locations need to be open during regular business hours

·       Election officials can extend the time for voting if there has been a violation of the buffer zone

·       Disabled voters should be able to drop off ballots at county buildings.

 

Connecticut

Legislation is being considered to implement a Constitutional amendment allowing for absentee voting for all. It will begin this year, though there is a 3-year buy-in period. The bill includes a cure period and also absentee voting for people who are incarcerated.

They are not sure whether a bill will pass that restricts immigration officers at the polls.

The state has a bill that would permit telehealth for transgender healthcare.

An environmental rights amendment has made it through committee.

A civil rights bill designates spaces safe from enforcement by ICE or other federal officials, including churches, daycare, and healthcare. A judicial warrant would be required, and people would have the right to file a suit against federal agents

An AI bill states that if anyone widely disseminates false AI media, there would be civil and – if it is repeated -  criminal penalties.

 

 

Louisiana

Their legislature just began this session.

The League testified against giving voter roles to the DOJ.

They also have a bill preventing disruptions of religious services.

There will be 5 constitutional amendments on the ballot in May. They are trying to educate people about two of them, which concern tax issues.

They have a bill which would penalize someone for using AI to generate sexual images of children.

Another bill would require a forensic nurse to be on sight for a crime involving sexual abuse.

 

 

 New Mexico

Legislative salaries will be on the ballot. Voters will also vote to schedule school board elections on the same ballot as other elections.

The Governor has signed everything that the League supported

Their election officials can act if ICE tries to interfere.

 

West Virginia

Their Secretary of State was sued by the DOJ to turn over voter logs

California and Oregon have successfully fought this so far

Their legislative session ended March 15. They saw a high number of anti immigrant bills despite a low immigrant population.

After the Governor has weighed in, the state League will develop its legislative scorecard.