All posts by Justin Levitt

Vote-by-mail and voter-registration

March 16, 2020, 1:44 pmabsentee ballots, voter registrationJustin Levitt

In normal times, I think of absentee voting as an essential option, but I’ve not (yet?) bought into 100% vote-by-mail. The postal service is an astonishingly great institution, but there are some communities it serves less well than others, including… Continue reading

Good night, and good luck

January 7, 2020, 3:11 pmUncategorizedJustin Levitt

And now, I give you the inimitable Dan Tokaji, a national treasure. He’s at the helm for the next week. I can’t leave without thanking Rick, again, for keeping this forum so vigorously alive. It’s like drinking from a… Continue reading

“The 2020 election will be the country’s biggest cybersecurity test ever”

January 7, 2020, 3:06 pmvoting technologyJustin Levitt

Election issues lead the WaPo’s “Cybersecurity 202” daily roundup today.

“Did Britain meddle in a US presidential election?”

January 7, 2020, 3:05 pmUncategorizedJustin Levitt

The BBC reports on an intriguing episode from the 1992 race.

“Kim Reynolds promises to review backlog of felon voting rights applications by the Iowa caucuses”

January 7, 2020, 3:04 pmpolitical equality, primariesJustin Levitt

The latest on the restoration of voting rights in Iowa.

“National Democrats jump into new lawsuit over Texas voter registration requirements”

January 7, 2020, 3:04 pmNVRA (motor voter), The Voting Wars, voter registrationJustin Levitt

The latest from the Marc Elias litigation machine is a challenge in Texas to the rejection of voter registration forms with digital pictures of signatures. The complaint notes that, among other things, when voters register to vote along with… Continue reading

“Groups settle suit with Arizona over voter address updates”

January 7, 2020, 3:03 pmNVRA (motor voter), voter registrationJustin Levitt

In Arizona, litigants settled an NVRA compliance case over alleged failures in the process of updating voter registration addresses when people change their address during motor-vehicle transactions. The settlement itself is here.

“Voting rights, representation and the future of democracy in the nation’s fruit basket”

January 7, 2020, 3:03 pmVoting Rights ActJustin Levitt

Nikkita Oliver on the aftermath of the VRA case in Yakima, Washington. And a similar story, also today, from Pasco, 90 miles down the road.

“Nevada group to seek signatures for redistricting initiative”

January 7, 2020, 3:02 pmdirect democracy, redistrictingJustin Levitt

The initiative to institute a commission in Nevada was amended and refiled to address a trial judge’s concerns about the ballot description.

“How Trump’s Trade War Is Making Lobbyists Rich and Slamming Small Businesses”

January 7, 2020, 3:02 pmlobbyingJustin Levitt

ProPublica on the draining of the swamp.

“Durkan Supports Capping Super PAC Donations and Blocking Amazon from City Elections”

January 7, 2020, 3:01 pmcampaign finance, election law and constitutional lawJustin Levitt

In the wake of substantial spending by Amazon (and others) in 2019 city council elections, Seattle contemplates a Clean Campaigns Act purporting to limit contributions to Super PACs, and to limit spending from corporations with more than 1% ownership from… Continue reading

What to do with campaign funds after retiring or passing away

January 7, 2020, 3:01 pmcampaign finance, campaigns, federal election commissionJustin Levitt

Two stories today about campaign funds active longer than their campaigners. One focuses on FEC requests for explanation from retired officeholders still spending from campaign accounts. The other describes the plans that Rep. Cummings had for his unspent campaign money… Continue reading