On Political Fragmentation: How Easy or Difficult Will it Be for Germany to Put Together a Stable Government After Sunday’s Election?

February 22, 2025, 8:29 amUncategorizedRichard Pildes

I’m following the fascinating German election, which takes place tomorrow, closely. One of the intriguing issues is how the role of the small parties, and the 5% threshold for a party to win any seats, will affect the ability to… Continue reading

“The State(s) of Foreign Information Operations”

February 22, 2025, 8:08 amchicaneryRick Hasen

New report from the Alliance for Securing Democracy: “A State-by-State Look at ForeignInformation Manipulation in the United States.”

“Uncovering Conflicts of Interest and Self-Dealing in the Executive Branch”

February 22, 2025, 8:06 amconflict of interest lawsRick Hasen

New from the Brennan Center: rump’s reelection and the start of his second term have also been notable for how extensively he leaned on ultra-wealthy donors to fund his campaign and staff his administration. Money has always played a role… Continue reading

“Musk and His Millions Enter Wisconsin Supreme Court Race”

February 21, 2025, 10:55 amUncategorizedRick Hasen

NYT: Elon Musk’s super PAC is back. Mr. Musk, the country’s largest donor during the 2024 election, is returning to campaigns by funding a new effort to help elect Brad Schimel, the conservative candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.… Continue reading

“Reform for Realists: The False Promise of Condorcet Voting”

February 21, 2025, 10:36 amalternative voting systemsRick Hasen

Mike Parsons and Rachel Hutchinson have posted this draft on SSRN. Here is the abstract: As Americans grow disenchanted with democracy, many scholars suggest that election reforms may offer a path forward. The fastest growing of these reforms is ranked… Continue reading

“Call for Correction of False Statements in the Paper Claiming that the National Popular Vote Compact Would Undermine Election Integrity”

February 21, 2025, 10:34 amelectoral collegeRick Hasen

John Koza has posted this draft on SSRN. Here is the abstract: This paper is in response to a paper entitled “The National Popular Vote (NPV) Proposal for U.S. Presidential Elections Undermines Election Integrity” by Ronald Rivest and Philip B.… Continue reading

Pre-symposium “Law & Democracy” Podcast with Nick S.

February 20, 2025, 1:48 pmUncategorizedNed Foley

To whet your appetite for tomorrow’s symposium on “Election Law in a Misaligned America”, a preview “Law and Democracy” podcast with Nick Stephanopoulos is available on YouTube and Apple Podcasts. It’s an informative conversation, which I plan to… Continue reading

“Trump Dismantles Government Fight Against Foreign Influence Operations”

February 20, 2025, 9:21 amauthoritarian threats in US, election subversion riskRick Hasen

NYT: The Trump administration is targeting government officials who had been flagging foreign interference in U.S. elections, despite ongoing concerns that adversaries are stoking political and social divisions by spreading propaganda and disinformation online, current and former government officials said.… Continue reading

“2025 Arnold Lecture to Spotlight Courts and Democracy Post-Inauguration”

February 20, 2025, 8:02 amUncategorizedRick Hasen

Announcement: The UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, in partnership with the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and Clinton Presidential Center, will host the 2025 Arnold Lecture and Symposium on Feb. 20,… Continue reading

Watch Archived Video of SDP Webinar, “Finding Common Ground on Modernizing Voter Registration”

February 20, 2025, 7:07 amvoter registrationRick Hasen

This Safeguarding Democracy Project event, held last week, featured Christina Adkins, Director of Elections, Texas Secretary of State’s Office, Judd Choate, Director of Elections in Colorado, and Charles H. Stewart III, MIT. I moderated. Watch:

“Why the White House insists Elon Musk is merely an ’employee'”

February 20, 2025, 6:51 amUncategorizedRick Hasen

Politico: It’s the Elon Musk paradox. On X, he’s a noble gladiator with a mission direct from President Donald Trump. He brags at length about using his “Department of Government Efficiency” to dismantle federal bureaucracies, cancel taxpayer-funded programs and transform… Continue reading

“Recall Adams instead of Gov. Hochul removing him”

February 20, 2025, 6:45 amrecall electionsRick Hasen

Jerry Goldfeder oped in the NYDN.

Rick Pildes: “Combatting Extremism”

February 20, 2025, 3:26 amUncategorizedRichard Pildes

I have posted this new article at SSRN. Here is the abstract: Few Americans are happy with the state of American democracy. Our political institutions appear dysfunctional and our political culture more generally has become increasingly toxic and tribalistic. To… Continue reading

“Trump signs order to claim power over independent agencies”

February 19, 2025, 7:42 amauthoritarian threats in USRick Hasen

Politico: President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a sweeping executive order bringing independent agencies under the control of the White House — an action that would greatly expand his power but is likely to attract significant legal challenges. It represents… Continue reading