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

State Briefs on CA Sheriff’s Illegal Seizure of Ballots, and a Court-Ordered Resentencing of CO County Election Official Tina Peters

April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

We’re bringing you some state democracy news briefs today, including on the California county sheriff who seized over 600,000 ballots based on conspiracy theories, and a court-ordered resentencing of a former county clerk in Colorado who allowed access to her county’s voting machines.

Georgia House & Senate Sessions Expire Without a Fix for Ballot QR Codes. A Special Session May Be Needed to Meet a July Deadline.

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026

The Georgia legislature’s term ran out before passing an election bill removing QR codes from ballots. It may require a special session to fix before the midterms.

Trump Executive Order on Mail-In Voting Spurs 5 Lawsuits from States, Pro-Democracy Groups, Civil Rights Groups and the Democratic Party

April 5, 2026April 5, 2026

President Donald Trump’s March 31st executive order obstructing mail-in voting spurred five lawsuits from 23 states, 2 coalitions of pro-democracy groups, 2 coalitions of civil rights groups and the Democratic party. The suits universally argue that the constitution does not grant election administration power to the president.

Florida Governor Signs State Version of the Restrictive SAVE America Act. Pro-Voter and Civil Rights Groups Sued Within Minutes.

April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 991 April 1st, a state version of the still pending SAVE America Act. Within minutes of the signing, multiple pro-voter groups sued, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution, and harms thousands more eligible voters than prevents the rare fraudulent one.

Trump Issues Executive Order Attempting to Federalize Mail-In Voting Rules and Establish ‘State Citizenship List’. It’s Beyond His Authority.

April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

President Trump issued an executive order March 31st attempting to impose strict federal mail-in voting rules. The order ignores multiple recent court rulings making clear he does not have authority over election administration.