Archive for 2019

Last Thursday, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission released the first report detailing how states spent funds allocated to them in 2018 under the Help America Vote Act. These reports are a fascinating and important look at states’ plans and an indication of their approach to security and other needs in the 2020 election.

I have a post in the latest electionlineWeekly looking at a new research note with exciting new FVAP data on military and overseas voting using transactional data to illuminate trends and challenges for UOCAVA voters. It’s a new way to dig into the election process that holds promise for more voter-level explorations going forward.

Georgia Governor (and former SoS) Brian Kemp has signed a bill enacting voting equipment changes that will end the state’s use of touchscreen DRE machines – a change that many have called for, but one that is now controversial because of the machines that will replace them.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has released some new resources on language accessibility for voters, including five new translations of the federal voter registration form. These resources should be extremely helpful to election officials as the number of voters needing or seeking language assistance continues to grow.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has appointed Bev Clarno, a veteran Republican legislator, as the new Secretary of State following the recent death of incumbent Dennis Richardson.

Laura Wooten, a lifelong Princeton, NJ resident who held the record for longest continuous service as a pollworker, died recently at the age of 98. She was a passionate believer in democracy and an advocate for voting as a means of effecting change in the community.

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!