Archive for March 2019

A new budget deal in New York State will create statewide 6AM poll opening times for primary elections, eliminating some disparities between localities across the Empire State. There is some concern about costs to counties, which will put a spotlight on whether the change brings more voters to the polls.

The city of Aurora, CO is considering running its own elections after recent political activity by the new Arapahoe County Clerk has some officials concerned about the impartiality of the voting process. It’s a perfect example of the (difficult) need officials face for balance between advocating for policies and providing for fair elections.

Last week, New Mexico’s legislature passed a sweeping registration bill that would bring one-stop and same-day voter registration to the Land of Enchantment. The bill still awaits the governor’s (expected) signature, but once enacted will bring significant changes almost immediately as state and local offices adjust to the new procedures.

I’m taking a short break to head south for some sunshine and spring training … the blog will return Wednesday, March 27. See you then and stay tuned!

It’s rare, but not unprecedented, to see stories where a jurisdiction holds an election where no one votes … but one New York village yesterday ran a mayoral election with no candidates on the ballot. It’s a helpful reminder that outreach is key for election officials no matter how small the item on the ballot.

A new report from Nonprofit Vote and the US Elections Project examines turnout in the 2018 midterm elections and assesses the role election policies like registration reforms and Vote at Home may have played last November.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is bringing a new approach to election cybersecurity by developing a new voting system designed to resist attacks through more secure hardware.

electionlineWeekly’s Mindy Moretti has a look at new audit software that will soon be available nationwide, thanks to a partnership between the State of Colorado and a new entity that will assist jurisdictions in customizing it to their needs.

With special elections and legal challenges on the immediate horizon, North Carolina’s legislature is considering legislation that would delay implementation of the state’s new voter ID mandate.

Oregon’s governor and key legislative leaders want to enact prepaid ballot postage, but some lawmakers and advocates are wary of the cost in tight budgetary times.