Audrey Perry Martin’s Post

“Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity.” In a thriving democracy, transparency and accountability are the pillars that support the trust of its citizens. Yet, a recent Supreme Court hearing has raised a pressing question: Do we need explicit statutory backing to ensure such transparency in electoral processes? The Election Commission (EC) has recently stated that there is no legal mandate to share voter turnout details with anyone other than candidates and their agents. This response came as a rebuttal to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)'s plea for greater transparency by uploading authenticated records of voter turnout on the EC website. The ADR's concerns stem from observed delays and unexpected spikes in voter turnout figures, sparking doubts about the integrity of the polling data and the functioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs). They argue that publishing Form 17C, which accounts for votes recorded, would enhance transparency and trust in the electoral process. The EC, however, counters that their current practice of publishing voter turnout data through apps and press releases is a voluntary, non-statutory measure aimed at transparency. They emphasise that the data shared through these platforms is provisional and secondary, with final figures taking time due to logistical challenges. While the EC's efforts to provide provisional data are commendable, the ADR's push for more detailed and authenticated records highlights a critical issue: the need for robust transparency mechanisms in our democratic processes. Shouldn’t the essence of democracy be grounded in openness and accountability that transcends legal mandates? As we reflect on this debate, it's crucial to ask ourselves: Is the current level of transparency sufficient to uphold the democratic ethos? Or should we strive for greater clarity and accountability, even if it means stepping beyond the confines of statutory requirements? In a democracy, the integrity of the electoral process is paramount. It’s time we consider whether voluntary initiatives are enough or if we need to enshrine greater transparency in our electoral laws to ensure every citizen’s trust in the democratic process is unwavering. #Democracy #Transparency #ElectoralIntegrity #ElectionCommission #VoterTurnout #Form17C #ADR #PublicTrust

This week: SCOTUS allows Virginia to proceed with voter purges. Read all about this and other election law & policy updates in our weekly analysis, The Markup:

About time they start taking action.

U.S. Appeals Court Hears PA Mail Ballot 'Missing Date' Case: The focus in Pennsylvania is on an overlooked aspect of mail-in voting—the hand-written date on ballot envelopes. Recently, a federal appeals court in Philadelphia considered arguments on whether a hand-written date is required for a vote to count. Critics argue that disqualifying ballots over such a "meaningless paperwork error" undermines the intent of the voter, while supporters of the rule counter that following state law doesn't equate to voter disenfranchisement. The decision could significantly impact upcoming elections by affecting thousands of mail-in votes, raising questions about how election rules interface with voter rights. Election outcomes hinge on how these votes are treated, especially given the substantial number of mail ballots favored by certain voting demographics. Read more:

"The Nebraska Supreme Court ordered election officials expeditiously put the law in effect, which will restore the voting rights of thousands of Nebraskans who have finished serving their felony convictions. The decision could have resounding implications for the upcoming election. “Because the requisite number of judges have not found that the statutory amendments are unconstitutional, we issue a peremptory writ of mandamus directing the Secretary and the election commissioners to implement the statutory amendments immediately,” the court order reads. Since 2005, Nebraskans with felony convictions could register to vote two years after completing all the terms of their sentence. A bipartisan majority of state senators ended the two-year waiting period in April, making it so people previously convicted of felonies could immediately register to vote after finishing their sentence." --- Nebraska court allows voter registrations from people with felony convictions Source: The Hill https://lnkd.in/gyWki5_m

“Expanding the vote in Minnesota: Take Minnesota, for example. There, in 2023, the state legislature passed, and the governor signed, the Democracy for the People Act. This omnibus bill contained landmark voting rights and election reform advances: ● It allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote and have their registration automatically activated when they turn 18. ● It establishes automatic voter registration at all motor vehicle agencies and at public assistance agencies that serve primarily low-income people. ● It permits voters to opt in to a permanent absentee voter list so that they will be sent an absentee ballot every year rather than having to reapply at every election. ● It mandates that sample ballots and voting instructions be written in multiple languages and requires language translation to be available at the polls in areas where the state has determined a certain percentage of citizens speak a language other than English. ● It strengthens the penalties for voter intimidation and deception. A different law in 2023, the Minnesota Restore the Vote Act, restored the voting rights of more than 55,000 citizens who had been convicted of a felony.” Bravo! Unlike the GOP, Dems make voting easier because they don’t fear voters, they embrace them.

Starting Sept. 22, a provision of the #NewYork state #VotingRightsAct will require certain local governments to seek “preclearance” from the state Attorney General or a designated court to make many election-related decisions. The new rule upends the system of constitutionally mandated, bipartisan election administration that has served New York’s voters ably for generations. It will give AG Letitia James unprecedented power over election processes in some of the most hotly contested congressional districts in the nation, including those on #LongIsland and in the #HudsonValley. Read more in Joseph Burns' op-ed in the New York Post today. #ElectionLaw #Politics #ElectionLaw #ConstitutionalLaw https://lnkd.in/euqg8uNS

#Snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking Voter Rights and Responsibilities Voter’s Bill of Rights Each registered voter in this state has the right to (Section 101.031(2), Florida Statutes): Vote and have his or her vote accurately counted. Cast a vote if he or she is in line at the official closing of the polls in that county. Ask for and receive assistance in voting. Receive up to two replacement ballots if he or she makes a mistake prior to the ballot being cast. An explanation if his or her registration or identity is in question. If his or her registration or identity is in question, cast a provisional ballot. Written instructions to use when voting, and upon request, oral instructions in voting from elections officers. Vote free from coercion or intimidation by elections officers or any other person. Vote on a voting system that is in working condition and that will allow votes to be accurately cast. Voter Responsibilities Each registered voter in this state should (Section 101.031(2), Florida Statutes): Familiarize him or herself with the candidates and issues. Maintain with the office of the Supervisor of Elections a current address. Know the location of his or her polling place and its hours of operation. Bring proper identification to the polling station. Familiarize himself or herself with the operation of the voting equipment in his or her precinct. Treat precinct workers with courtesy. Respect the privacy of other voters. Report any problems or violations of election laws to the supervisor of elections. Ask questions, if needed. Make sure that his or her completed ballot is correct before leaving the polling station. Note to Voter: Failure to perform any of these responsibilities does not prohibit a voter from voting.

As Americans head to the polls on November 5, 2024, the nation holds its breath for a tightly contested election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. With polling data suggesting a close race, results may face delays, especially in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, where legal challenges and recounts could extend the process. Various swing states have distinct counting processes that may impact result timing. For instance, Georgia expects rapid initial reporting, while states like Nevada could count mail-in ballots until November 9. Over 100 pre-election lawsuits have already been filed, primarily addressing voter eligibility and mail-in ballot regulations, adding complexity to an already high-stakes election. State-specific protocols and a commitment to verified counting reflect the meticulous approach to ensure transparency and accuracy across the country. The election’s outcome, dependent on securing 270 electoral votes, will shape U.S. domestic and foreign policy. As the world watches, this election underscores the impact of swing states, transparency, and the importance of fair electoral processes. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dJFwAaG9 #USElections #SwingStates #Election2024 #ElectoralVotes #VotingRights #VoteCounting #Democracy #Pennsylvania #ElectionIntegrity #KamalaHarris #DonaldTrump #ElectionNight #PoliticalLeadership #ElectionProcess #ElectoralCollege #Transparency #VoterTurnout #LegalChallenges #Polling #HighStakesElection

There have been 71% more voting cases filed in Wisconsin in 2024 than in all of 2020 - and we expect more. There are also a whole bunch of cases that were filed in 2022 and 2023 that are still making their way through the courts. Here's a summary of what's happened since 2020: We've protected your right to vote via 📮 drop box 📫 mail 🌅 early https://lnkd.in/gjxcwhjV We've protected the rights of 🗺️ every Wisconsinite to have their voice heard through fair maps ♿️ disabled voters to have assistance 🧑🎓 students to vote where they live, study, and work 🫏🐘 voters whose ballots have immaterial mistakes And here's what we're working on right now: 📣 ensuring all voices are heard in the legal process (https://lnkd.in/gpbm9xDc) 🗳️ dismantling barriers to voting (https://lnkd.in/gmmZ_bdZ) 🇺🇸 protecting electronic voting (https://lnkd.in/gRRxj6Pc, https://lnkd.in/gA5f36Jb) 📍safeguarding the ability for voters to return their ballot directly to the polling location on election day (https://lnkd.in/g3wzgKJ7) Contrast that with the very few election law challenges that were pending in the courts as we went into the November 2020 election. In almost every election since Nov. 2020, Wisconsinites have turned out in record numbers to elect leaders to govern in our name and interests. But in the months and years that followed the Nov. 2020 election, extremists have peddled lies about our elections, doubled down on attempts to silence us by trying to erect new barriers to voting, and attempted to block free and fair elections. But we know that for democracy to work for all of us, it must include us all. That's why we stand at the ready to combat attempts to take away our freedom to have a say in the decisions that impact our futures.