Representative Nima Kulkarni: New Kentucky Law to Protect Speech

Recently, NewDEAL Leader Representative Nima Kulkarni’s bipartisan Kentucky Uniform Public Expression Protection Act was signed into law by Governor Beshear. The bill seeks to prevent wealthy businesses or individuals from filing frivolous lawsuits aimed at intimidating or silencing critics through the long and costly court process. The new law establishes a framework through which judges can determine whether a suit is being brought in bad faith, and it allows defendants to dismiss cases more quickly. “At its core, this bill safeguards First Amendment rights in our courts and makes sure that everyone gets a fair and expeditious day in court,” Representative Kulkarni said. Read more about the bipartisan bill here.

Senator Barry Finegold: Expansion of Voting in Massachusetts

A committee co-chaired by NewDEAL Leader Massachusetts Senator Barry Finegold recently brokered a deal in both the House and Senate to pass a package of voting reforms that include permanent mail-in voting, increased ballot accessibility for voters with disabilities and overseas service members, and updated election administration procedures for the state. The reforms also make voter registration windows more flexible, allowing voters to register as late as 10 days before an election rather than the original 20 days. “This landmark legislation will empower voters and strengthen our democracy,” Finegold said. Read more about this important legislation, and keep an eye out for more from the NewDEAL Forum on solutions to protect voter access and build election integrity as the new Democracy Working Group ramps up.

County Judge Clay Jenkins: Election Security Review in Dallas County

Ahead of the highly anticipated 2022 midterms, the Dallas County Commissioners unanimously approved funding for a review of the County’s election security measures. The Commissioners, led by NewDEALer Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, allocated $50,000 to examine how the county is protecting election workers, officials and ballots. The review comes amidst national concerns about rising threats and aggressive behavior towards nonpartisan election administrators. For more information on the threats facing our democracy and what state and local elected officials can do to safeguard it, see the details on the recently-launched NewDEAL Forum Democracy Working Group.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon: Legislative Priorities to Expand Democracy in Minnesota

This week, NewDEAL Leader Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced legislative priorities, which include automatic voter registration, increased protections for election workers and restoring voting rights for anyone convicted of a felony still on probation or parole. As this Governing piece points out, state legislatures nationwide are considering changes to their voting systems ahead of the 2024 presidential election, with Republicans in states like Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, and Georgia seeking to enable officials to prosecute perceived election discrepancies. Along with Simon, Democrats in Connecticut, Michigan, and Pennsylvania are looking to expand access to the ballot box. “I will work with anyone of any political affiliation, from any background, from any part of our state to protect and strengthen and defend the freedom to vote,” Simon said. For more, read this article about the potential impact of Simon’s priorities.

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes: New Election Readiness Plan

On his 100th day in office as Arizona Secretary of State, NewDEAL Leader Adrian Fontes announced a new plan to help all 15 counties in his state prepare to administer the 2024 election. To develop the plan, Fontes toured all 15 Arizona counties and met with local election administrators to gain an understanding of the unique challenges facing each community. Fontes, who co-chairs the NewDEAL Forum Democracy Working Group, plans to create a new position within his department to provide counties with the technical assistance and training needed to address physical and cybersecurity threats. “In our battle against misinformation, it is crucial that the rules governing elections be clear, concise, and understandable—not just for elections professionals but for ordinary citizens as well,” Fontes said. “We are proud to be working with county elections officials, stakeholders, and lawmakers to deliver the best manual possible.” Read more here.

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver: Passage of New Mexico Voting Rights Act

NewDEAL Leader New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver helped lead the effort to enact a new Voting Rights Act in her state during this year’s legislative session. Toulouse Oliver worked with community members, election administrators, and fellow elected officials to understand the needs in communities and enact “a huge win for voters” balancing voter access with “high levels of election security.” The legislation will streamline the registration process, including with same-day voter registration, and provide more options to cast a vote with additional secure ballot drop boxes. In addition, the new set of laws include expanded protections for election officials and a first-in-the-nation Native American Voting Rights Act to give Native American tribes and nations more flexibility in administering elections. Read more about the new laws here and check out more good election policy from the NewDEAL Forum.

Secretary of State Toulouse Oliver Leads Passage of New Mexico Voting Rights Act

NewDEAL Leader New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver helped lead the effort to enact a new Voting Rights Act in her state during this year’s legislative session. Toulouse Oliver worked with community members, election administrators, and fellow elected officials to understand the needs in communities and enact “a huge win for voters” balancing voter access with “high levels of election security.” The legislation will streamline the registration process, including with same-day voter registration, and provide more options to cast a vote with additional secure ballot drop boxes. In addition, the new set of laws include expanded protections for election officials and a first-in-the-nation Native American Voting Rights Act to give Native American tribes and nations more flexibility in administering elections. Read more about the new laws here and check out more good election policy from the NewDEAL Forum.

New Election Readiness Plan

On his 100th day in office as Arizona Secretary of State, NewDEAL Leader Adrian Fontes announced a new plan to help all 15 counties in his state prepare to administer the 2024 election. To develop the plan, Fontes toured all 15 Arizona counties and met with local election administrators to gain an understanding of the unique challenges facing each community. Fontes, who co-chairs the NewDEAL Forum Democracy Working Group, plans to create a new position within his department to provide counties with the technical assistance and training needed to address physical and cybersecurity threats. “In our battle against misinformation, it is crucial that the rules governing elections be clear, concise, and understandable—not just for elections professionals but for ordinary citizens as well,” Fontes said. “We are proud to be working with county elections officials, stakeholders, and lawmakers to deliver the best manual possible.” Read more here.

NewDEAL Alum Josh Shapiro Sworn in as Pennsylvania Governor

NewDEAL alum and former Attorney General Josh Shapiro was sworn in as the 48th governor of Pennsylvania at an inaugural ceremony this week. In his speech, Shapiro stressed his commitment to bipartisanship, democracy, and “do[ing] the hard work necessary to protect our fundamental rights,” as he forcefully rejected extremism and hate. In a time of continued polarization, and with Shapiro’s new administration set to navigate a legislature with split partisan control, the Governor made freedom a core theme of his address. He talked about the freedoms that come from access to high-quality education, clean air and water, and safe communities, along with strong democratic institutions. On his first full day in office, Shapiro signed an executive order opening up thousands of public sector jobs to those without a 4 year degree by promoting skills and experience in hiring. The order recognizes the chance to increase job opportunities for people who have pursued other avenues of training and education that are key parts of a strong workforce development. system. Read more about Governor Shapiro’s inauguration here.

Legislative Priorities to Expand Democracy in Minnesota

This week, NewDEAL Leader Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced legislative priorities, which include automatic voter registration, increased protections for election workers and restoring voting rights for anyone convicted of a felony still on probation or parole. As this Governing piece points out, state legislatures nationwide are considering changes to their voting systems ahead of the 2024 presidential election, with Republicans in states like Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, and Georgia seeking to enable officials to prosecute perceived election discrepancies. Along with Simon, Democrats in Connecticut, Michigan, and Pennsylvania are looking to expand access to the ballot box. “I will work with anyone of any political affiliation, from any background, from any part of our state to protect and strengthen and defend the freedom to vote,” Simon said. For more, read this article about the potential impact of Simon’s priorities.

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