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

With U.S. Supreme Court Support for the Voting Rights Act Disappearing, the Maryland Assembly Considers the Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2026

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

The conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court has steadily gutted Voting Rights Act protections for minority voters in recent decades. With few protections left, and a pending decision likely to make it worse, nine states have passed state VRAs. The Maryland Senate just advanced a portion of the Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2026.

Democrats in Virginia & Maryland Race to Match GOP-Gerrymandered Congressional Seats, But It’s Far From a Done Deal.

February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

An effort in Virginia and Maryland to match GOP-gerrymandered congressional seats in Texas and other states continues. A state supreme court decision in Virginia will allow a ballot measure to go to the voters, but Maryland’s efforts have met opposition in the state senate.

Another Big Week in the Utah Legislature’s Attempt to Overturn Proposition 4 and Court-Ordered Fair Congressional District Maps

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

It’s a big week in the ongoing attempt by the Utah legislature to do an end run around the voter-approved Proposition 4 fair redistricting amendment. Signatures required for putting a repeal of the amendment before voters were due Feb. 15th, and a GOP appeal reaches federal district court Feb. 18th.

Can President Trump Mandate Voter ID for the Midterms? He May Try, But the U.S. Constitution Says He Doesn’t Have the Authority.

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

In a social media post February 13th, President Donald Trump threatened an executive order mandating voter ID for the 2026 midterm elections, “whether approved by Congress or not!” He may try, but the U.S. Constitution says he doesn’t have the authority.

An Amped Up SAVE Act, the SAVE America Act, Passes the U.S. House and Heads to the Senate. Its Restrictions Could Disenfranchise Millions.

February 12, 2026February 13, 2026

Last year’s version of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE Act, died in the U.S. Senate. This year’s versions, the SAVE America Act and the Make Elections Great Again, or MEGA Act, are even more restrictive. The SAVE America Act just passed the U.S. House.