All posts by Justin Levitt

The Latest Ms. McIntyre?

October 12, 2014, 8:54 amcampaign financeJustin Levitt

A federal court in Colorado has blocked Colorado from applying its reporting and disclosure law to a small nonprofit weighing in on a ballot measure. The Coalition for Secular Government argues for separation of church and state; its policy paper… Continue reading

“Devers’ $5 Giveaways Are Legal, State Says”

October 12, 2014, 8:54 amcampaign financeJustin Levitt

The Kansas Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance says that giving away $650 of $5 bills is apparently all good under the state’s campaign finance law.

Demographics of American Office Holders

October 12, 2014, 8:53 amUncategorizedJustin Levitt

See this infographic. Statistics on local officeholders, in particular, can be tricky to compile. [Update: In a related piece, FairVote looks at the gender of elected officials in our 100 largest cities.]

Va. Governor Changes Political Calculus for New Cong. Districts

October 12, 2014, 8:53 amredistrictingJustin Levitt

According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, it’s been nearly 25 years since a Democratic governor signed off on Virginia’s plan to draw congressional districts.

“Things to Know About Political Mapmaking in Ohio”

October 12, 2014, 8:52 amredistrictingJustin Levitt

The AP discusses the redistricting-related work of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission.

“Voting Rights for Felons Issue Likely in 2014”

October 12, 2014, 8:51 amUncategorizedJustin Levitt

The director of public affairs at Mississippi State University took a moment away from this to talk about felony disenfranchisement.

“Referendum Would End Election Day Voter Registration”

October 12, 2014, 8:51 amvoter registrationJustin Levitt

The Great Falls Tribune reminds its readers that a repeal of EDR is on the ballot this fall in Montana.

“Appeals Court Poised to Act Quickly in Texas Voter ID Case”

October 12, 2014, 8:50 amelection administration, election law and constitutional law, The Voting Wars, voter idJustin Levitt

Looks like the 5th Circuit may act by the end of the weekend or first thing next week.… Continue reading

“High Court Buys Time for Action on Voter ID Laws”

October 12, 2014, 8:47 amelection administration, Supreme Court, The Voting WarsJustin Levitt

The Boston Globe on the series of stays.

“Appeals Court Dissenters Blister State’s Voter I.D. Law”

October 12, 2014, 8:46 amelection administration, election law and constitutional law, The Voting Wars, voter idJustin Levitt

The Journal-Sentinel reviews the 7th Circuit’s 5-5 split over rehearing the panel opinion reversing the lower court’s injunction.

Ah, Direct Democracy…

October 11, 2014, 5:17 pmdirect democracyJustin Levitt

In a referendum, does a “For” vote mean a vote in favor of an enacted ordinance, or a vote in favor of its repeal? (An Arkansas lawsuit seeks an answer…)

Odd NY Ballot Design (Again)

October 11, 2014, 5:11 pmballot accessJustin Levitt

Apparently, some New York counties (this example is from Tompkins County) have prepared sample ballots for this November that smoosh the Libertarian party nominees together with the nominees of the Stop Common Core party, together on line “I”.) New… Continue reading

Darryl Pinckney on NPR, discussing “Blackballed”

October 11, 2014, 4:12 pmUncategorizedJustin Levitt

Audio and transcript here of the interview about Blackballed, which NPR describes as “a personal and historical reflection on the struggle of black Americans for the right to vote.”

“Local Candidates Campaign on Tiny Budgets”

October 11, 2014, 4:04 pmcampaign financeJustin Levitt

A moment ago, I linked to the 12 largest donors of the last 12 years, and yesterday, I noted that Chevron had contributed about $3 million to entities spending in a municipal race in Richmond, CA. But it’s worth remembering… Continue reading