All posts by Justin Levitt

“Surge In Voters With Disabilities May Influence 2020 Election”

July 16, 2019, 10:48 ampolitical equality, voters with disabilities, votingJustin Levitt

A reminder of a significant population often overlooked when summary stats are compiled. In 2018, 14.3 million people with disabilities cast ballots, more than the 11.7 million Latino voters that year and nearly as many as the 15.2 million African-American… Continue reading

State v. county election systems management

July 16, 2019, 10:48 amelection administration, voter registration, voting technologyJustin Levitt

An important story in Washington State about the integration of county registration systems into a newer statewide system. It’s not important because it’s particularly new or surprising (it’s neither), but just as a reminder of the details to be ironed… Continue reading

“Top Democrat demands answers on election equipment vulnerabilities.”

July 16, 2019, 10:47 amvoting technologyJustin Levitt

The Hill reports on Sen. Ron Wyden’s questions of the EAC. Senator Wyden took to the floor yesterday to speak about the issue as well.

Summary of Congressional Legislation on Security of Voting Systems

July 16, 2019, 10:47 amvoting technologyJustin Levitt

An interesting summary in Forbes of the bills on the table.

“Diversifying the Donor Pool: How Did Seattle’s Democracy Vouchers Program Reshape Participation in Municipal Campaign Finance?”

July 16, 2019, 10:46 amcampaign financeJustin Levitt

A new paper about Seattle’s campaign finance voucher program, from Brian McCabe and Jennifer Heerwig. I’m looking forward to reading this one. The abstract: In this paper, we evaluate whether an innovative new campaign finance program in Seattle, Washington shifted… Continue reading

“GOP megadonors pour money into Trump campaign”

July 16, 2019, 10:45 amcampaign finance, political partiesJustin Levitt

The Trump takeover of the GOP is reflected in the recent campaign finance disclosures. The subhead of the piece: “Some of the same donors who bankrolled anti-Trump efforts in 2016 are at the center of the president’s reelection.”

“Kamala Harris Picks Perkins Coie as Firm Ramps Up Work for Democrats”

July 16, 2019, 10:44 amelection law biz, primariesJustin Levitt

The National Law Journal reviews the law firms behind the presidential contenders.

Thad Hall to get ballots to the bottom of the Grand Canyon

July 16, 2019, 10:44 amelection law bizJustin Levitt

Former election professor Thad Hall is practicing what he preaches, moving to become the Director of Elections in Coconino County, Arizona, from a similar gig in Richland County, South Carolina. Among other attributes, Coconino is “the second largest geographic… Continue reading

“Why More Companies Are Encouraging Their Employees to Vote — and How Yours Can, Too”

July 16, 2019, 10:44 amvotingJustin Levitt

The power of brand leadership in encouraging participation. Relatedly, Electionday.org has a running project encouraging companies to give their employees the day off on Election Day. I’m a fan.

“Why Was the Electoral College Created?”

July 16, 2019, 10:42 amelectoral collegeJustin Levitt

The History Channel has an explainer.

“Why Congress’ Plan to Fix Gerrymandering Falls Short”

July 16, 2019, 10:42 amredistrictingJustin Levitt

Harvard undergrads weigh in on HR 1.

Redistricting reform in New Jersey

July 16, 2019, 10:42 amredistrictingJustin Levitt

As a Jersey native, this one caught my eye pretty quickly: an impressive group of scholars and advocates published a report recommending reforms to New Jersey’s redistricting system.