American Democracy Minute A 90 second radio news report & podcast on U.S. democracy issues

ND Native American Nation Prevails in Protecting Majority-Minority Voting Districts. A Victory for Minority Voters, But GOP Efforts to Neutralize the VRA Continue

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025

Native American voters prevailed in federal court against the State of North Dakota, protecting the ability to elect the candidate of their choice. The state has a history of diluting Native voting power.

What are the Rules as to How Contributions to Inaugural Committee Funds Are Spent? There Aren’t Any.

January 15, 2025January 15, 2025

Our recent reporting explored the massive contributions to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, reportedly reaching $170 Million dollars. What are the rules as to how that money is spent? The short answer is, there aren’t any.

Donations to Trump’s Inauguration May Reach $200M, Funding the Parade, Inaugural Balls . . . and Pay-to-Play Influence

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Donald Trump’s inaugural committee has received $170 Million dollars in contributions, and it’s expected to reach $200 Million – almost double his 2017 total. Yes, the contributions pay for the inaugural balls, but inaugural funds are also a vehicle for corporate “pay to play” contributions, currying favor for federal contracts, lenient legislation, or access to the President.

An Estimated $15.9 Billion was Spent in the 2024 Election Cycle, and 50% of It Came from the Top 1% of Special Interest Donors

January 13, 2025January 13, 2025

As we approach the 15th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s fateful Citizens United decision, we consider the estimated $15.9 billion dollars spent in the 2024 campaign. That’s a lot of special interest influence.

SAVE Act Reintroduced in U.S. House and Senate, Requiring IDs and Proof of Citizenship for In-Person and Mail-In Voting. Millions of Eligible Voters Could Be Disenfranchised.

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025

U.S. House and Senate Republicans reintroduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE Act, mandating proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections and requiring only certain types of ID be used. Millions of American citizens could have trouble voting.