Author: Michael Phillips
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Kansas Supreme Court Declines Emergency Review of Mail-Ballot Grace Period Case, Leaving Injunction in Place Through the Primary
The Kansas Supreme Court declined an emergency appeal from Secretary of State Scott Schwab, upholding a district court’s injunction that reinstates a three-day grace period for mail ballots ahead of the August 4 primary. The case’s constitutional issues regarding Senate Bill 4 remain unresolved as it continues in the Court of Appeals.
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North Carolina Lawmakers Send Two Election Bills to Stein’s Desk; Governor Signals Veto of the Larger One
On August 4, North Carolina’s General Assembly approved two election bills, HB 958 reducing early voting and HB 834 focusing on administrative changes. Governor Josh Stein plans to veto HB 958, citing voter access concerns, while HB 834 faces no veto threat. Most of HB 958’s provisions will start in 2027.
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Ninth Circuit, Sitting En Banc, Vacates Injunction on Arizona Voter-List Provisions, Narrows Standing Rules
The Ninth Circuit Court ruled that Arizona’s lower court incorrectly blocked provisions of a 2022 election law regarding voter registration. The court found that advocacy organizations lacked standing to challenge one provision but had standing for another, resulting in different outcomes. Precedent related to organizational standing was overruled, impacting future litigations.
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Blackburn and Green Win Governor’s Race Primaries as Tennessee’s New Congressional Map Reshapes the House Delegation
Tennessee voters participated in primaries on August 6, determining the candidates for governor and U.S. House seats ahead of the November 3 general election. Republican Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Jerri Green emerged as gubernatorial nominees. The elections were influenced by a newly drawn congressional map favoring Republicans, affecting several districts’ dynamics.
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Maryland’s Redistricting Amendment Faces a Ballot-Deadline Lawsuit — Here’s the Case Being Made on Both Sides
A lawsuit in Maryland aims to remove a congressional redistricting amendment, HB 2100, from the November ballot, claiming the General Assembly missed its certification deadline. While the timing is disputed, the amendment would change the rules for congressional map-drawing, potentially benefiting the Democratic majority before 2028 elections.
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California’s Governor Race Is Set: Becerra vs. Hilton Head to November
The California gubernatorial election for November 3, 2026, will feature Democrat Xavier Becerra against Republican Steve Hilton following a primary that saw Becerra securing 28% and Hilton 25% of votes. Polling indicates Becerra holds a significant lead. Key issues include affordability, the environment, and Trump’s influence on the race.
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Florida’s Other Senate Race: How the 2026 Special Election to Replace Marco Rubio Works
Florida’s upcoming special Senate election, occurring on August 18, 2026, follows Marco Rubio’s resignation after being appointed U.S. Secretary of State. Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Ashley Moody as interim senator. She faces challenges from lesser-known Republicans, while Democrats Alex Vindman and Angie Nixon vie for their party’s nomination. The general election is scheduled for November…
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DNC Rules Panel Advances Measure Limiting Ranked-Choice Voting in 2028 Primaries
The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee aims to prevent ranked-choice voting from impacting delegate allocation for the 2028 presidential primary, despite state requirements. The full DNC will consider this recommendation at an upcoming meeting, with implications for states like Maine and Washington, D.C., that mandate ranked ballots.
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Michigan Sets Its November Ballot: A Rundown of the 2026 Primary Results
Michigan held pivotal primary elections on August 4, reshaping its political landscape as voters selected nominees for governor and U.S. Senate. Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James advanced for governor, while Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary. Key congressional races featured notable upsets and competitive contests. Final results await certification.
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South Carolina Republicans Set for Special U.S. Senate Primary Aug. 11
South Carolina will hold a special primary on August 11 to select a Republican nominee for a U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Nine candidates qualified, and if no candidate receives over 50% of the vote, a runoff will occur on August 25. The winner will face Democrat Annie Andrews…
