RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to grant an emergency stay of a federal appeals court order for the state to redraw Congressional Districts 1 and 12 by Feb. 19, in advance of the March 15 primary.

The districts were found unconstitutional by a federal appeals court on Friday and that same court late Tuesday denied the state's request to wait until after the 2016 elections to redraw lines.

Experts say it's important to note that this is not the first time the state has faced judicial challenges in its redistricting process.

Jane Pinsky, director with the North Carolina Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform, says this year is the 31st time since 1980 the courts have had to intervene, and that's a sign something more needs to be done, other than just redrawing the districts.

"We can alter these two districts, but that's just a symptom of an underlying problem," says Pinsky. "We have a redistricting process that lets the party with the majority draw the maps, with little or basically no input from anybody else."

District 1 is located largely east of Raleigh and District 12 currently stretches from parts of Greensboro down to Charlotte. Pinsky and others argue that redistricting should be done after every Census by an independent staff, and the state should require districts be made up of whole counties when possible and not consider where incumbents and challengers live when evaluating the map.

Allison Riggs, senior attorney with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, acknowledges the timeline is tight with the primary approaching, but says it's a perfect storm of the state's own making.

"To the extent this is a problem, it's a problem of the state's making," says Riggs. "One for drawing these districts that were unconstitutional to begin with when everyone told them that, and two it was just late this past fall when they moved all the primaries up to March, knowing all of this litigation was pending."

According to Common Cause North Carolina, more than 3 million North Carolinians reside in 41 state House districts that have no competition in this year's election, and nearly 2.5 million live in state Senate districts where just one candidate is running. Pinsky says that issue is a symptom of the current system.

"As we move to very partisan districts, we get people who aren't willing to compromise when they get to Congress or to the legislature, or the city council or the county commission and so we get gridlock," says Pinsky.


get more stories like this via email

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election.

The latest reports from the Center for Election Innovation and Research shed some light on expanded early voting options across the U.S., including in Ohio.

Chris Mann, research director at the center, highlighted some key details for Ohio voters.

"The weekend days that are required in Ohio, that accessibility of early in-person voting, is a really important piece of information for folks who work a traditional workweek," Mann pointed out. "If it's close or if there are close races within Ohio, that process will be playing out about counting mail ballots after Election Day."

According to the center's reports, nearly 97% of U.S. voting-age citizens will have at least one option to vote before Election Day, whether by mail or in person. During the 2020 general election, 69% of votes were cast before Election Day. That's up from 40% in 2016, demonstrating a growing reliance on early voting methods nationwide.

David Becker executive director of the center, said while Ohio's early voting system has been historically accessible, recent changes in ballot return procedures could present challenges for some voters.

"There have been efforts recently, coming from the Secretary of State's office, to make it more difficult for voters to return, for instance, their spouse's ballot or other family members' ballots," Becker noted. "And requiring them to actually come down to the election office and sign a form."

As Ohio prepares for the November election, voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting options and stay informed about any new regulations. With 47 states offering early voting, Ohio's approach reflects national trends aimed at increasing participation while maintaining election integrity.


get more stories like this via email

New poll results show 80% of likely Arizona voters believe American democracy is under threat.

The new survey from the Center for the Future of Arizona found just as many believe their vote could improve democracy.

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said with fewer than 50 days until Election Day, there are important issues on the ballot for Arizonans across the political spectrum and it isn't too late to take action.

"I want people finding candidates and causes they believe in, and get out and work on those campaigns," Stanton urged. "Become a volunteer, knock on doors, make calls, become a 'super voter,' if you will."

Stanton's challenger this year is Republican Kelly Cooper, who also ran against him in 2022. Voters in the Grand Canyon State will weigh in, not only on candidates at the national, state and local levels but will decide on more than a dozen statewide propositions. Check your voter registration status online at My.Arizona.Vote.

Stanton acknowledged there are bad actors out there who may want to drive down voter turnout but encouraged Arizonans to remain resilient. The last day to register to vote in order to participate in the Nov. 5 General Election is Oct. 7, a date he wants younger voters to pay close attention to.

"Maybe you're at Arizona State University, which is in my district, you come from another location, register to vote here," Stanton suggested. "We want you to participate in this election, and to have your voice heard for what's going on, not just in education issues but all of the variety of issues that affect your future."

Stanton contended across the country, younger voters need to participate at higher levels and calls it "good for democracy." A recent poll from Florida Atlantic University found 55% of people ages 18-34 said they're "dissatisfied" with their lives. Stanton hopes their dissatisfaction fuels greater turnout among young voters who want change.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.


get more stories like this via email

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are holding voter registration events across the state - at libraries, school campuses, and churches.

League of Women Voters of Texas President Joyce LeBombard said the organization has seen an increase in interest in the presidential race, on both sides, now that the Democratic ticket has changed.

She added that voters should also pay attention to other races.

"In presidential race years, there is always more excitement than on non-presidential races," said LeBombard. "But I think people need to remember that all elections are important, and what's really important is those down-ballot races - those races that impact your community directly."

LeBombard said if you are already registered to vote, now is a good time to check your voter registration status.

Texas has removed more than a million voters from the rolls since 2021.

If you need information about a ballot item, the League provides its Voter's Guide. Information is also available at the Secretary of States' office or at 'votetexas.gov.'

LeBombard said since its inception, National Voter Registration Day has had a huge impact on elections.

"I think it's a very important day," said LeBombard. "It started in 2012 with both democracy-organizing groups and also elections officials. And since 2012, over 5 million voters have registered to vote or updated their voter registration."

The deadline to register to vote for the November 5 general election is October 7. Texas does not have online registration - you must do so at a community event or at your county elections office.

Support for this reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.




get more stories like this via email