Renewing Democracy

Midwestern Youth of Color Are Using Art and Culture to Build Their Political Power

https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/midwestern-youth-color-using-art-and-culture-to-build-their-political-power

Cinnamon Janzer

Next City

22 October 2020

Text / Under 800 Words

The Midwest Culture Lab consists of three organizations working to increase voter turnout among young people, especially young people of color. The partners work with artists, musicians, and other creative people to create messaging and campaigns that are culturally relevant and engage young people in civic participation. One partner, the Ohio Student Association, had artists create an ad that used relatable messaging about a criminal justice reform ballot measure to appeal to young people to vote. The ad brought in over 150 volunteers and contributed to doubling Ohio’s youth voter turnout from 2014 to 2018.

Washington state's not new to voting by mail. Here's how we work to keep it safe

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/politics-government/election/article246234620.html

Robert Mittendorf

The Bellingham Herald

21 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Since Washington made voting by mail mandatory in 2011, nonpartisan election officials have refined ballot-security procedures to achieve a smoothly run system in which suspected cheating or interference represents a tiny fraction of the millions of votes cast in each election. Those procedures include signature verification, ballot-box integrity, securely blocking Internet access to vote tabulations and voter registration, and other safeguards against electronic or in-person tampering with votes or registrations.

Vote by mail has increased minority participation in Washington but other hurdles remain

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/politics-government/election/article246598423.html

Craig Sailor

Phillip Reese

The Bellingham Herald

21 October 2020

Multi-Media / 1500-3000 Words

Most Washington counties adopted a universal vote by mail system between the 2004 and 2006 federal elections, which led to increased voter turnout. Statewide turnout increased by over six percentage points for subsequent elections and culturally relevant voter registration initiatives increased turnout in Latinx and Native American communities specifically. Officials have encountered little to no fraud with universal voting by mail. Instead, it reduces the number of polling places that need to be secured and monitored and it also substantially decreases the costs of administering elections.

How Colorado became the model for running an election by mail

https://thefulcrum.us/colorado-vote-by-mail

Bill Theobald

The Fulcrum

20 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Colorado is a successful model for voting by mail. Anti-hacking security measures, results audits, and frequent updating of the voter database using multiple sources increases confidence in the system. Voting by mail increased turnout, making the state among the top in the country. It also decreased election-related costs by 40%. Ballot rejections remain low (less than 1%) because the state relies on voters’ honesty and does not require a witness’ signature. Voters can also track their ballot and resolve any issues over the phone. Voters can return ballots by mail or at one of the many official drop boxes.

Their App Sends Free Mail to Incarcerated People. Now They're Helping Prisoners Register to Vote

https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/app-sends-free-mail-incarcerated-people-now-helping-inmates-register-vote

Emily Nonko

Next City

20 October 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

Ameelio is a technology startup launched by Yale students to facilitate free communication between people who are incarcerated and loved ones. In their first six months, the group went from sending 300 to over 4,000 letters a week to facilities in the United States. Their initial goal was to provide a not-for-profit alternative to the oftentimes predatory prison telecommunications industry. Recently they began a voter registration initiative where they send registration instructions, a blank voter registration application, and ballot request form to people who are incarcerated and eligible to vote.

San Juan County expands in-person voting on the Navajo Nation during the pandemic

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/10/18/san-juan-county-expands

Zak Podmore

The Salt Lake Tribune

18 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

A legal settlement in Utah expanded access to voting on Navajo Nations and influenced similar settlements in Arizona. All registered voters receive a mail-in ballot, but counties also offer early voting and election-day polling locations, where Navajo translators are available. Counties run bilingual radio, print, and social media ads to inform residents about their voting options. The hybrid in-person and mail-in system boosted turnout of active voters in San Juan County’s 2018 election by 10 percentage points from 2014, when the lawsuit was filed because the county closed in-person polling places.

Towson University professor aims to bolster local election security at voting sites

https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/cng-co-ca-at-towson-election-security-20201016-vrovdo7qyvdu7h2nmyk7addbli-story.html

Taylor DeVille

The Baltimore Sun

16 October 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

More than 1,930 Maryland poll workers were trained to protect ballot integrity from security threats based on research about where those threats may come from. The program, one of the few in the country focused on election security at polling places themselves, was developed by a researcher inspired by reports of Russian interference with the 2016 election. The research showed Maryland's greatest vulnerabilities were electronic poll data and voter registration, the network connection between election officials and local election boards, and access to ballot scanners at voting sites.

Rise in Use of Ballot Drop Boxes Sparks Partisan Battles

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2020/10/16/rise-in-use-of-ballot-drop-boxes-sparks-partisan-battles

Elaine S. Povich

Stateline

16 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Free-standing ballot drop boxes during the pandemic provide assurance to voters who worry about the reliability of the postal service or health risks at polling places. Drop-box voting gradually won acceptance in states relying entirely on remote voting. By 2016, most voters in three big states used drop boxes. Many states lack rules governing the number of allowed drop boxes per county, which has contributed to partisan feuds over the numbers of collection boxes. The battles have focused on claims of ballot-security threats, but there is little evidence drop boxes are less secure than other methods.

In San Diego, Black Muslims are working to expand voting access in jails

https://thegroundtruthproject.org/in-san-diego-black-muslims-are-working-to-expand-voting-access-in-jails

Aysha Khan

The GroundTruth Project

14 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Pillars of the Community hires people incarcerated in local California jails to register new incarcerated voters and conduct civic engagement education behind bars. Pillars, a faith-based criminal justice advocacy group led by Black Muslims, registers hundreds every year, many of whom did not know they were eligible to vote and did not know how to register on their own. Those voting in 2020 will be able to vote on state referenda concerning expanding voting rights for people with felony convictions and on ending cash bail.

Illinois advocates work to ensure ballot access for jail voters during pandemic

https://thegroundtruthproject.org/illinois-advocates-work-to-ensure-ballot-access-for-jail-voters-during-pandemic-chicago

La Risa Lynch

The GroundTruth Project

13 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Many people who are currently incarcerated still retain the right to vote, and as the 2020 election approaches advocates in Illinois are making sure that those who are in Chicago’s Cook County Jail have access to ballots. Under a newly implemented law, Cook County Jail was designated as a polling place, which increased access for pretrial detainees and those serving certain misdemeanor convictions, and ultimately resulted in a higher voter turnout for the March primaries.

Ballot boxes bring rural voters security and ease of mind

https://www.ksn.com/news/your-local-election-hq/ballot-boxes-bring-rural-voters-security-and-ease-of-mind

Kaisha Batman

KSNW-TV

12 October 2020

Multi-Media / Under 800 Words

The Kansas Secretary of State approved and provided all counties with an official ballot drop box to help collect confidential sealed ballots, which is particularly useful in rural counties where mail services can take longer. Some rural counties have already received more early ballots than were received in total for the primary election. The official drop boxes help residents feel more secure that their ballots will be counted because of the slower mail system. Ballots are collected daily, including on weekends, and the boxes are under 24/7 surveillance to protect against fraud.

Wisconsin election infrastructure is mostly secure — but inaccurate counts are hard to catch and correct

https://www.channel3000.com/wisconsin-election-infrastructure-is-mostly-secure-but-inaccurate-counts-are-hard-to-catch-and-correct

John Bassett

Channel 3000

10 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Same-day voter registration and the implementation of advanced cyberdefenses have bolstered Wisconsin's voting database, fortifying it against hackers and data breaches. Apprehension about election security prompted the formation of a watchdog group, Wisconsin Election Integrity, which regularly prompts the Wisconsin Elections Commission to update and improve the existing systems. Some machines have been identified as risky and measures to safely use and secure them are underway.

Latinos hold almost half of all elected positions in Fresno County. Here's how they made gains

http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article246185600.html

Nadia Lopez

The Fresno Bee

9 October 2020

Multi-Media / Over 15 Minutes

Latinx politicians hold 48% of all elected positions in Fresno County, gains made possible by the California Voting Rights Act. The law calls for local governments to use district elections instead of citywide races if communities believe they are disenfranchised. Districts are smaller units, so candidates have to win within their immediate community rather than citywide. Financing a campaign for a district election is more reasonable and it removes the disproportionate influence of communities that have historically high voter turnout. About 130 of 450 cities adopted district elections after the law passed.

How to fix America's voter registration system so more people can vote

https://www.vox.com/21492380/elections-vote-register-same-day-automatic

Jen Kirby

Vox

6 October 2020

Text / Over 3000 Words

Over a dozen states have adopted some variation of automatic voter registration, which is common in many European democracies. Voters in Oregon are mailed a notification when they are enrolled, which they can send back to opt out if they want. Prior to the 2016 election, 225,000 Oregonians were registered that way and 100,000 of those voted, a turnout rate of 43%. Some believe it is a more accurate way to maintain and update voter rolls. For voter data, states can use DMV and state tax records or join the over 30 states who are members of the nonprofit Electronic Registration Information Center.

How diverse is your government? These two laws changed who holds power in California

https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article245666080.html

Kim Bojórquez

Sacramento Bee

5 October 2020

Multi-Media / 1500-3000 Words

In California, two laws have helped to open opportunities for less experienced candidates to win state and local offices, which has increased representation among people of color. A 1990 law set term limits for the state legislature, which forces turnover, and the California Voting Rights Act allowed communities of color to demand electoral changes, including by-district elections that have increased Latinx and Black representatives at the local level. These laws have helped to level the playing field but the benefits have not occurred across all districts, instead they tend to be driven by a few cities.

What a City-Sized Sharing Economy Looks Like

https://wearenotdivided.reasonstobecheerful.world/canada-first-nations-uniting-cities-and-indigenous-reserves

Lauren Kaljur

Reasons to be Cheerful

5 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

The First Nation–Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative is a nationwide initiative to foster positive relationships, empowering First Nation and municipal leaders to talk as equals. There have been hundreds of requests and 15 pairs completed the program. The goal is to foster joint economic development, but it also initiated discussions about the impact of colonization and ensures First Nations are represented in decision-making. Pairs have cooperated on infrastructure projects, such as highway expansions and solar farms, and have a renewed sense of being connected.

Minnesota nonprofits boost voter outreach for 2020 election

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-nonprofits-boost-voter-outreach-for-2020-election/572644822

Kelly Smith

Minneapolis Star Tribune

5 October 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

Nonprofits increased voter engagement in communities that face barriers to voting. Deaf Equity posted videos on social media in ASL to educate voters on how to register to vote and track mail-in ballots. The Native American Community Development Institute is engaging with voters in rural Minnesota, religious leaders at mosques, churches, and temples are encouraging members to vote, and volunteers at food shelves are handing out voter registration forms. Several groups have received funding to conduct voter outreach with Black and Muslim communities as well as neighborhoods where people have lower incomes.

'A New Generation of Poll Workers' Steps Up to Ensure Safe, Fair Elections

https://msmagazine.com/2020/10/01/poll-workers-elections-young-people

Juhie Bhatia

Ms. Magazine

1 October 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

New groups are recruiting poll workers to help fill shortages made worse by Covid-19. Poll Hero Project is an initiative created and led by young people that has recruited over 28,000 high school and college-age poll workers using social media. Power the Polls is a coalition of well-known brands that used social media outreach, digital marketing, and celebrity promotions to sign up over 530,000 volunteers. Both groups help navigate what can be a complicated process to sign up to work the polls.

Empowering the survivor voting block

https://www.boulderweekly.com/news/empowering-the-survivor-voting-block

Angela K. Evans

Boulder Weekly

1 October 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

Colorado’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse keep their physical addresses private. Registering to vote requires an address, which is part of the public record. The ACP program can also be used to enroll children in schools, on their driver’s licenses, and in court. ACP works with the postal service to create ghost addresses for survivors and it serves as the only place where the addresses are known. Four thousand people are currently using the service and up to 9,000 have used it since it began.

After 7 years of voting by mail, Colorado voters aren't taken in by absentee ballot drama

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2020/10/01/colorado-mail-in-ballot-absentee-voting-how-state-perfected-system/3572176001

Kevin Duggan

Coloradoan

1 October 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Colorado's mandatory, all-mail balloting system encounters very few cases of fraud or mistake while making voting easier and more accessible to all voters. Everyone who applies for a driver's license or Medicaid gets registered. Since 2013, ballots are mailed to all registered voters. The state eased into that system by first fulfilling mail-in ballots by request – something 70% of voters already were doing by the time the system became mandatory. One former secretary of state cautions that voter list maintenance is a daunting challenge. But the state's system is often called the most secure in the country.

The Obama Justice Department Had a Plan to Hold Police Accountable for Abuses. The Trump DOJ Has Undermined It.

https://www.propublica.org/article/the-obama-justice-department-had-a-plan-to-hold-police-accountable-for-abuses-the-trump-doj-has-undermined-it

Robert Faturechi

ProPublica

29 September 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

One of the most powerful tools used to reform policing practices, widely credited with restoring public faith in such troubled departments as the Los Angeles Police Department, is called a consent decree. The U.S. Justice Department sues cities where police abuses are seen as rampant. Then, under the watchful eye of a judge and independent monitor, the department agrees to a package of reforms. Under the Trump Justice Department, though, the tool has gone unused in new cases. In existing cases, the government has become passive, allowing cities to flout their agreements without consequence.

2020 Changes Help Disabled, Blind Voters

https://www.kdnk.org/post/2020-changes-help-disabled-blind-voters

Nick Isenberg

KDNK Community Radio

29 September 2020

Podcast / 3-5 Minutes

A Colorado system allows voters with disabilities to request an accessible ballot, which enables them to fill out their ballot online using a personal computer or a smart phone. This allows voters to maintain confidentiality in their voting selections rather than needing to have someone assist them in filling out their ballot. Voters can fill out their ballots online, using assistive technologies if necessary, and then print their ballot to either mail to their county clerk or drop off at an official ballot drop box in their county.

Taiwan's Crowdsourced Democracy Shows Us How to Fix Social Media

https://wearenotdivided.reasonstobecheerful.world/taiwan-g0v-hackers-technology-digital-democracy

Carl Miller

Reasons to be Cheerful

27 September 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

vTaiwan is a mixed-reality, scaled listening exercise used by the government as a new way to make decisions. The platform provides an online space for citizens to debate and for politicians to listen to. The government lays out political questions, such as regulating Uber or changing time zones, and people can share their feelings, agree and disagree, but divisive statements and trolling are not posted. After debating for a period of time it became apparent that people converged around points of consensus. The government has implemented about a dozen laws and regulations based on the discussions.

Black women legislators are rare in statehouses. This could be the solution.

https://19thnews.org/2020/09/black-women-legislators-are-rare-in-statehouses-this-could-be-the-solution

Barbara Rodriguez

The 19th

25 September 2020

Text / 1500-3000 Words

A newly established PAC in Washington state aims to increase the likelihood of Black women being elected to Washington State Legislature by eliminating the financial barrier that often impedes candidates from running their campaigns on an equal playing field. Although it is yet to be seen how the elections will turn out, the PAC has already succeeded in fundraising over $200,000 and distributing those funds to various campaigns.

How Did These Students Get The City To Change The Name Of Douglass Park? They Built Collective Power And Didn't Back Down

https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/09/22/how-did-these-students-get-the-city-to-change-the-name-of-douglass-park-by-building-collective-power-and-not-backing-down

Pascal Sabino

Block Club Chicago

22 September 2020

Text / 800-1500 Words

Chicago students organized and, for the first time, convinced the city to rename a park in honor of Frederick and Anna Murray Douglass. The former Douglas Park was named after a Civil War era Illinois senator who advocated to expand slavery, and whose wife owned slaves. Not daunted by the city’s bureaucracy, the students canvassed in their community and gathered over 10,000 signatures for a petition to change the park’s name. The campaign, which began in 2017, was much harder and longer than the students anticipated, but by forming a coalition and continuing to speak out they persevered.