Keynote Address on “Fragmented Democracies”

November 12, 2021, 6:16 amUncategorizedRichard Pildes

I’ll be delivering this address later today at the 12th Annual Loyola Constitutional Law Colloquium. The address is based on my recent article entitled Political Fragmentation in the Democracies of the West.

“The Consequences of Redistricting Without a Safety Net”

November 11, 2021, 4:23 pmredistricting, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

Michael Barajas for the Texas Observer: For decades, the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 sought to protect minority voters by forcing Texas and other states with a history of race-based voter suppression to clear changes to election laws,… Continue reading

Tabatha Abu El-Haj is Primary ELB Blogger Next Week

November 11, 2021, 4:21 pmUncategorizedRick Hasen

Please send any suggestions and tips to Tabatha.

“The Bolsonaro-Trump Connection Threatening Brazil’s Elections”

November 11, 2021, 1:43 pmelection subversion risk, fraudulent fraud squadRick Hasen

NYT: The conference hall was packed, with a crowd of more than 1,000 cheering attacks on the press, the liberals and the politically correct. There was Donald Trump Jr. warning that the Chinese could meddle in the election, a Tennessee… Continue reading

“Gerrymandering surges as states redraw maps for House seats”

November 11, 2021, 7:17 amredistrictingRick Hasen

AP: North Carolina’s plan drew instant criticism for its aggressive approach, but it’s hardly alone. Experts and lawmakers tracking the once-a-decade redistricting process see a cycle of supercharged gerrymandering. With fewer legal restraints and amped up political stakes, both… Continue reading

“Endorsements from Republican politicians can increase confidence in U.S. elections”

November 10, 2021, 5:35 pmelection subversion riskRick Hasen

Katherine Clayton and Robb Willer have posted this draft on SSRN. Abstract: Since the 2020 U.S. presidential election, perceptions of the validity of the outcome and broader trust in the American electoral process have reached historically low levels among Republicans.… Continue reading

“Excessive Judicialization, Extralegal Interventions, and Violent Insurrection: A Snapshot of Our 59th Presidential Election

November 10, 2021, 4:39 pmelection subversion riskRick Hasen

New Jerry Goldfeder article in the Fordham Law Review.

“Ron Johnson calls for having Republican lawmakers take over federal elections in Wisconsin”

November 10, 2021, 2:35 pmelection subversion riskRick Hasen

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is calling on Wisconsin lawmakers to take over elections and tell local officials to ignore the work of the bipartisan Elections Commission they set up six years ago. The Oshkosh Republican on Wednesday… Continue reading

“Three Men Charged With Running ‘Scam PACs’ That Bilked Small Donors”

November 10, 2021, 1:44 pmUncategorizedRick Hasen

NYT: The Justice Department on Wednesday accused three political operatives of running a scheme to mislead donors and enrich themselves, charging the men with defrauding people of $3.5 million in 2016 and 2017.The allegations involve two political action committees… Continue reading

The FEC Wrongly Blames Citizens United For Increases in Federal Election Spending

November 10, 2021, 12:39 pmUncategorizedRichard Pildes

Rick Hasen links to the new FEC report on federal election spending over time. In addition to reporting the data, the FEC says spending has increased dramatically over time, “particularly after the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United.” Spending has… Continue reading

Chart of the Day

November 10, 2021, 10:17 amcampaign finance, federal election commissionRick Hasen

Dramatic rise in campaign spending in federal elections, per a new FEC Inspector General report.

“Opinion: We must protect our elections now. National security is at stake.”

November 10, 2021, 9:57 amelection subversion riskRick Hasen

James Clapper and Michael Hayden WaPo oped: By now, it is well documented that in 2020 a sitting president and his allies tried to overturn the results of an election, triggering the worst political violence this country has seen… Continue reading

“2022 races will put election integrity to the test; After 2020 Trump claims, will voters accept midterm results?”

November 10, 2021, 7:23 amUncategorizedRick Hasen

Kate Ackley for Roll Call: The 2022 midterm elections, one year from now, won’t just decide control of the House and Senate but will also provide the first major test of Americans’ confidence in the integrity of their electoral system… Continue reading

Wisconsin: “Election audit errors feed partisan spin — Michael Haas and Maribeth Witzel-Behl”

November 10, 2021, 7:21 amThe Voting WarsRick Hasen

Wisconsin State Journal oped: For decades, Wisconsin’s Legislative Audit Bureau served as an important check and balance, keeping politicians honest and financial books clean. It prides itself on being nonpartisan, independent and accurate.But the bureau’s recent “Election Administration” report fails… Continue reading