Tag: election integrity
-

Michigan Ballot Fraud Case Ends in Mixed Verdicts After 2022 Scheme
A Michigan jury reached mixed verdicts in an election fraud case involving schemes that disqualified eight Republican candidates from the 2022 primary ballot. One defendant was acquitted, while two were convicted for participating in a fraudulent petition signature operation. The case underscores concerns about ballot access integrity and election security.
-

Vermont House Passes Bill Criminalizing Election Interference
The Vermont House of Representatives approved bill H. 541, aimed at strengthening protections against voter and election official interference. Sponsored by Representatives Ian Goodnow and Kate Nugent, the legislation expands criminal prohibitions, imposing penalties for intimidation and obstruction. It now moves to the Senate for further review and potential amendments.
-

Alabama House Advances Bill to Strip Phone Numbers from Voter Rolls
The Alabama Legislature passed House Bill 67, altering voter registration data handling by removing phone numbers from official lists and capping access costs at $1,000. The bill, aimed at protecting voter privacy and reducing robocalls, allows voters to opt in for phone number inclusion. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
-

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose Election Protection Bill to Guard Voter Data and Shield Election Workers
A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania legislators has introduced the Protecting Voter Privacy and Pennsylvania Elections from Political Interference Act. This bill aims to secure voter privacy, state control over election systems, and shields election officials from political intimidation. It seeks to restore public confidence in elections amid ongoing debates about election integrity.
-

Maryland Lawmakers Advance Bills Targeting Election-Related Deepfake Deception
Maryland lawmakers are proposing legislation, House Bill 145 and Senate Bill 141, to limit deceptive AI-generated media in elections, addressing concerns over misleading “deepfake” content. The bills prohibit knowingly creating or sharing synthetic media intended to mislead voters while protecting free speech. They aim to address potential rapid misinformation in election cycles.
-

Secret Money, Loud Consequences: How Dark Cash Is Warping Democratic Primaries
Key Democratic primaries are increasingly influenced by secret money from Super PACs and outside spending groups, undermining voter agency and accountability. Despite Democrats’ public opposition to big money, these entities exploit opaque funding to shape electoral outcomes, raising concerns about the connection between candidates and constituents and the overall integrity of democracy.
-

U.S. Intelligence Oversight Office Investigated Voting Machines Used in Puerto Rico, Report Finds
A U.S. intelligence oversight investigation into voting machines in Puerto Rico was triggered by concerns about potential irregularities. While no evidence of foreign interference or compromised outcomes was found, the review raises questions about the role of intelligence agencies in election oversight and the balance between security and democratic accountability.
-

Michigan Group Claims Enough Signatures to Put Citizenship, Voter ID Question on 2026 Ballot
A conservative group in Michigan, Secure MI Vote, has gathered enough signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment to appear on the 2026 ballot. The amendment requires proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID for voting. Supporters believe it enhances election security, while opponents fear it may restrict access and invite legal challenges.
-

Maryland Voter ID Debate Returns as Republicans File New Bill
Maryland’s current voting laws do not require photo ID for most voters, but a new Republican proposal seeks to change this by mandating government-issued identification before voting. Supporters argue it enhances election security, while critics warn it may disenfranchise marginalized voters. The bill awaits further legislative action.
-

Virginia Democrats Unveil Aggressive 10–1 Congressional Map as Courts Weigh Redistricting Authority
Virginia Democrats have proposed a “10–1 map” to reshape congressional districts, aiming to secure 10 of 11 House seats. This proposal comes amid legal uncertainty as Virginia’s courts question their role in redistricting. The outcomes may significantly influence the 2026 elections and future redistricting processes nationally.
