Monthly Archives: July 2019

“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.

“Voters to decide on increased campaign finance disclosures, new limits on contributions”

July 16, 2019, 10:41 amcampaign financeJustin Levitt

San Francisco puts a measure on the November ballot aimed at disclosing the top funders of committees, rather than just the committee name itself.

“NC trial looks at partisan bias after US justices won’t”

July 16, 2019, 10:41 amchicanery, political parties, redistrictingJustin Levitt

A report from the opening days of the state court’s partisan gerrymandering trial in North Carolina.

“Defending the Census: The Next Frontier in the Fight for Our Democracy”

July 15, 2019, 11:53 amcensus litigationJustin Levitt

Video from a Netroots Nation panel with Adam Bonin, Eric Holder, Alex Padilla, Denise Merrill, and Vanita Gupta. Man, last Thursday seems like a long time ago.

“Roberts gave GOP cover on gerrymandering”

July 15, 2019, 11:08 ampolitical parties, redistrictingJustin Levitt

Gene Nichol, in the News & Observer, with a local’s view on Rucho (feat. Shelby County).

“Florida’s New Poll Tax”

July 15, 2019, 11:03 amdirect democracy, felon votingJustin Levitt

Herman Schwartz blogs at Balkinization on the legislative cutbacks to Florida’s Amendment 4 for people with convictions who still owe fines or fees. And The Intercept has a piece on some prosecutors’ attempts to reduce the fines and fees, in… Continue reading

Prison gerrymandering and the impact on cities

July 15, 2019, 11:03 amredistrictingJustin Levitt

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s editorial board discusses the consequences when redistricting counts people temporarily incarcerated at a place far from home.