It’s Friday, July 10, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States’ Weekly Roundup.

This week, the Trump administration widened its confrontation with the people who run American elections. The president fired every sitting member of the Election Assistance Commission, and the Justice Department sent letters threatening criminal prosecution to secretaries of state in at least eight states over unsubstantiated noncitizen-voting claims, all while new research shows state voter rolls are already accurate and up to date. We’re covering these developments and more state-level changes to election administration, redistricting, and primary access below.

Trump Fires the Election Assistance Commission

• President Trump fired all four sitting commissioners at the Election Assistance Commission this week, leaving the agency that certifies voting machines and distributes election security grants without a quorum to act.

• NATIONAL: Trump fires all Election Assistance Commission members, leaving agency unable to act (VoteBeat).

• NATIONAL: ‘Dangerous … reckless … desperate’: Trump’s firing of EAC leaders escalates his war on voting, election chiefs and lawmakers warn (Democracy Docket).

DOJ’s Prosecution Threats Over Noncitizen Voting

The Justice Department sent letters to secretaries of state in at least eight states this week, threatening criminal prosecution if they don’t purge alleged noncitizen voters from the rolls. The department is separately deploying election monitors to several states ahead of the midterms, a move Michigan faith leaders say undermines the voting rights it claims to protect.

• NATIONAL: Department of Justice warns election officials they could be criminally charged over noncitizen voters (VoteBeat).

• ARIZONA: DOJ letter threatens Arizona election officials with prosecution as Fontes calls it ‘intimidation’ (Arizona Mirror).

• NEVADA: ‘It’s threats, it’s intimidation’: Nevada secretary of state slams Trump DOJ letters targeting election officials over noncitizen voting (Democracy Docket).

• COLORADO: DOJ letter an attempt to intimidate, Colorado’s top election official says (Colorado Newsline).

• UTAH: Utah’s top election official gets DOJ letter threatening criminal prosecution (Utah News Dispatch).

• IDAHO: Trump administration threatens to criminally prosecute Idaho election officials if noncitizens vote (Idaho Capital Sun).

• RHODE ISLAND: Feds threaten Rhode Island’s top election official with criminal charges if noncitizens vote (Rhode Island Current).

• MARYLAND: Justice Department threatens Maryland’s top election official with criminal charges (Maryland Matters).

• WEST VIRGINIA: Trump’s demand for state voter lists has hit a wall — for now (West Virginia Watch).

• LOUISIANA: Republicans take lead in Louisiana registered voters; Democrats claim purge (Louisiana Illuminator).

• MINNESOTA: Minnesota begins routine election machine tests as feds retreat from election security (Minnesota Reformer).

The Primary Battles

As more states fight over who gets to vote in primaries, South Carolina Republicans are suing to close their primary to registered Republicans only, while independents in Maine and Massachusetts are fighting to stay in the process at all.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: SC GOP sues to close primaries to registered Republicans (South Carolina Daily Gazette).

• MAINE: Maine Democrats Are About to Lock Independents Out of the Process—Again (Independent Voter News).

• MASSACHUSETTS: Massachusetts Insiders Tried to Kill Primary Reform. Voters Get the Final Word (Independent Voter News).

• TEXAS: Veterans Step Into Texas Open-Primary Lawsuit to Defend Voters’ Freedom to Participate (Veterans for All Voters).

• OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma June primary election saw low independent turnout (Oklahoma Voice).

Building Better Elections

Not every democracy story this week was defensive. States and advocacy groups also championed structural changes aimed at making elections work better, from ranked-choice voting to ballot-initiative protections to money in politics.

Ranked-choice voting

• MAINE: Graham Platner’s replacement and ranked choice voting (FairVote).

• WASHINGTON, D.C.: Results from the first ranked choice voting election in Washington, DC (FairVote).

Protecting direct democracy

• UTAH: Utah lawmakers now won’t pursue constitutional amendment to change ballot initiative power (Utah News Dispatch).

• MICHIGAN: Michigan could approve a constitutional convention this year. What would that mean? (VoteBeat).

Money in politics

• MISSOURI: It’s possible to end corporate influence in politics (Missouri Independent).

• NATIONAL: “Pop-up” Super PACs Game the System to Leave Voters in the Dark (Campaign Legal Center).

• MAINE: How the Supreme Court campaign finance ruling is altering Maine’s ongoing legal battle (Maine Morning Star).

• OHIO: Ohio court case eliminates limits on coordinated spending between parties and candidates (Ohio Capital Journal).

Election Administration, State by State

Beyond the DOJ fight, states are making their own changes to how elections are run, some expanding access, others restricting it, and two states quietly redrawing their political maps.

• WISCONSIN: Elections Commission orders investigation of Green Bay duplicate absentee ballots (Wisconsin Examiner).

• ARIZONA: Judge blocks Arizona elections rule barring ‘intimidating’ and ‘harassing’ clothing (Arizona Mirror).

• RHODE ISLAND: RI elections board approves early voting regulations (Rhode Island Current).

• GEORGIA: State Election Board passes rule seeking access to secretary of state’s election night ‘bunker’ (Georgia Recorder).

• GEORGIA: A last-minute change to Georgia’s ballot QR code bill could steer voting in a new direction (Georgia Recorder).

• NEW JERSEY: Federal attacks on mail-in voting demand New Jersey’s attention now (New Jersey Monitor).

• NATIONAL: What You Need to Know About the Proposed USPS Mail Ballot Rule (Voting Rights Lab).

• PENNSYLVANIA: Pennsylvania elections could look very different if Democrats win full control of state government in 2026 (VoteBeat).

• WISCONSIN: How inconsistent standards led to dozens of disenfranchised voters in a Wisconsin city (VoteBeat).

• MICHIGAN: Already voted for a candidate who dropped out? Here’s what you can do (Michigan Advance).

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Dell Rapids Republican lawmaker may get plea deal in election fraud case (South Dakota Searchlight).

• NORTH CAROLINA: What goes on behind the scenes in an NC election? This nonprofit wants you to know (North Carolina Newsline).

• ALASKA: Alaska’s news organizations are collaborating on voter guides — and you can help, too (Alaska Beacon).

• MARYLAND: Ferguson, Peña-Melnyk announce special session for redistricting (Maryland Matters).

• UTAH: Utah Republicans concede defeat in multiple partisan redistricting efforts (Democracy Docket).

In case you missed it…

• What Is Civic Education For?, by Scott Warren, July 9, 2026

• Liberalism for the 21st Century, by Danielle Allen, July 7, 2026

• Civic Education News Roundup: Reflecting on the American Experiment., by Joanna Kenty, July 6, 2026

• The Golden Apple, by Danielle Allen, July 4, 2026

I’m writing from Hawaii, where it’s still Independence Eve, and not-too-late for another Democracy in the States’ Weekly Roundup before America’s 250th Birthday! The U.S. Supreme Court closed out its term this week, ruling that states can count mail ballots that arrive after Election Day and upholding birthright citizenship, while a separate ruling loosening limits on party spending is already reshaping the money race in contested Senate contests in Georgia and Maine. Days before the nation’s 250th birthday, Colorado’s primary delivered the cycle’s biggest upset yet, as a democratic-socialist-aligned newcomer unseated a 30-year incumbent in a Denver-area U.S. House seat. We’re covering these developments and more state-level changes to elections, voting rules, redistricting, ballot measures, and safety-net policy below.

The Supreme Court closes its term

The court’s final rulings fell squarely on state election administration and campaign finance, with reactions breaking down along predictable lines.

• FLORIDA: Florida Republicans are not happy about U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on late-arriving mail-in ballots.

• OHIO: Ohio nixed absentee ballot grace period before US Supreme Court ruling, but court went the other way.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Pa. lawmakers relieved, urge action after US Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship.

• GEORGIA: Supreme Court eases spending rules in win for GOP as U.S. Senate battles brew.

• MAINE: How SCOTUS striking limits on party spending could impact Maine’s Senate race.

• GEORGIA: FBI redirects hundreds of analysts to examine Fulton County’s 2020 election records.

Colorado’s primary upsets and the rest of the field

Colorado held its primary this week, and the results reordered the state’s entire statewide ticket, beginning with a first-time candidate’s win over one of the longest-serving members of the state’s congressional delegation.

Colorado

• COLORADO: Newcomer Melat Kiros unseats longtime Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary.

• COLORADO: Weiser beats Bennet in Democratic primary for Colorado governor, Kirkmeyer in lead.

• COLORADO: Democrat John Hickenlooper of Colorado defeats Senate primary challenger Julie Gonzales.

• COLORADO: Jena Griswold wins Democratic primary for Colorado attorney general.

• COLORADO: Jeffco clerk and voting rights advocate Amanda Gonzalez wins Democratic secretary of State primary.

• COLORADO: Four Colorado state legislators ousted in primary election.

  Elsewhere

• SOUTH CAROLINA: Inside Alan Wilson’s historic GOP primary victory over Pamela Evette.

• LOUISIANA: Letlow rides Trump endorsement to US Senate GOP ticket win; Davis cinches Democratic bid.

• ARKANSAS: Sanders calls special election to fill south Arkansas Senate seat vacated by Gilmore.

• KENTUCKY: Clerical error stopped Democrats from voting in narrow primary, Jefferson clerk says.

• ALASKA: Alaska Supreme Court rules Dan J. Sullivan eligible to run for US Senate.

• UTAH: One of Utah’s hottest Democratic races shows how far left voters are willing to go.

Voting rules, rolls, and ballot access

Beyond the primaries, states are still debating over who gets to vote, whose maps count, and which ballot measures survive to November.

Voter rolls and citizenship checks

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Court decision blocking NH voter file transfer the latest loss for Trump administration.

• INDIANA: Longtime citizen flagged, voter registration revoked in proof-of-citizenship ordeal.

• ARIZONA: US Supreme Court to take up Arizona proof of citizenship case.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Group wants help for voters affected by proof-of-citizenship law and federal-only designation.

Redistricting

• COLORADO: Colorado Supreme Court blocks 2028 redistricting measures in blow to Democrats.

Ballot measures

• IDAHO: In rural Idaho, medical marijuana ballot initiative hits setback after signatures turned in late.

• ARKANSAS: Federal judge rules Arkansas initiative restrictions unconstitutional.

• OREGON: Nearly every proposed Oregon initiative won’t make it onto the November ballot.

• ARIZONA: Voucher oversight initiative turns in 420k signatures, more than enough to make the ballot.

• WASHINGTON: Ballot fight on WA income tax looks certain.

• NEBRASKA: Signatures turned in for measure to restrict Nebraska lawmakers’ ability to change voter-passed laws.

• IDAHO: Supporters of ballot measure to end Idaho’s strict abortion ban turn in nearly 110K signatures.

States push back on federal health and food aid rules

States are increasingly struggling to keep up with federal changes to the safety net, such as new Medicaid work requirements and tightened SNAP error-rate penalties that could cost several states hundreds of millions of dollars.

Medicaid

• MARYLAND: States gird for new Medicaid ‘medically frail’ rule.

• INDIANA: Indiana leads nation in decline of children insured through Medicaid.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Pa. joins multi-state lawsuit against Trump administration over Medicaid work requirement rules.

• NEW JERSEY: NJ joins multi-state challenge to Trump administration Medicaid rule.

• MONTANA: Medicaid cuts spark legislative, provider concern.

• VIRGINIA: Virginians living with HIV struggle to get drugs that fight the virus after massive health care cuts.

SNAP and food assistance

• MAINE: Maine could owe $50 million a year to maintain SNAP benefits under new federal mandate.

• TENNESSEE: Tennessee taxpayers could foot bill for some SNAP costs if state’s error rate doesn’t improve.

• MISSOURI: Missouri could be on the hook for $150 million in food benefits due to error rate.

• MINNESOTA: Federal changes to SNAP could cost Minnesota more than $100M per year.

• GEORGIA: Georgia’s SNAP payment errors could cost the state millions of dollars — but not quite yet.

• IOWA: Feds pull Iowa’s ‘healthy food’ SNAP waiver.

• ARKANSAS: Arkansas launches mobile app to navigate new food stamps junk food ban.

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Welcome to our first Wednesday edition of your Democracy in the States’ Roundup. Now that most states are fully transitioned from their legislative calendar to campaigns, we thought post-primary Wednesdays might be a good time for this update. Let us know if it works for you!

And, now for this week’s roundup, the federal vs. state fight over election infrastructure intensified this week when a judge blocked the Trump administration’s overhauled citizenship-checking database from being used to purge voters, while the administration separately moved to withhold homeland security funds from states that won’t adopt its election changes. Meanwhile, the FBI has yet to offer justification for last week’s widespread operation, involving over 100 agents searching offices and visiting the homes of employees and volunteers associated with the Ohio Organizing Collaborative. The voting-rights group has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and denounced the action as political intimidation.

Elsewhere, ICE quietly shelved detention-facility plans in several states amid local pushback, and Tuesday’s primaries in Maryland, New York, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah set more of the November map. We’re covering these developments and more state-level changes to election administration, redistricting, voter rolls, immigration enforcement, and the data center boom below.

Election administration and primaries

State legislatures are racing to settle election rules before the midterms, even as one state’s new law could cancel an entire election.

Election bills and ballot measures

• KANSAS: ‘Coordinated effort’: Kansas Republican leaders have a plan to cancel the 2026 U.S. Senate election.

• GEORGIA: Ballot QR code bill headed to governor after Georgia lawmakers scale back hand-counting requirement.

• GEORGIA: Georgia lawmakers advance bill to delay voting machine changes until 2028 presidential election.

• NORTH CAROLINA: Advocates say a sweeping elections bill moving through the NC House undermines voting rights.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Ayotte signs law raising cap on anonymous campaign donations.

• WASHINGTON: Postal Service skips hearing with WA lawmakers on mail-in ballot rules.

• OHIO: Ohio Sec. of State candidates split on mail-in voter ID bill; DeWine considering veto.

• NEW JERSEY: Mixed reception for bill allowing candidates’ names to be rotated on ballot.

• MASSACHUSETTS: Mass. primary election overhaul eligible for November ballot, SJC rules.

• RHODE ISLAND: Party leaders, lawmakers champion Rhode Island joining Super Tuesday states.

Primary day and its aftermath

• NEW YORK: Big Tech critic loses House race in New York as AI lobby flexes political power.

• NEW YORK: Mamdani’s political gamble pays off as his endorsed candidates sweep their primaries.

• MAINE: Pingree clinches Democratic nomination for governor after lengthy ranked-choice tally.

• MAINE: Two Republican legislative primaries settled with ranked-choice run-offs.

• MARYLAND: Election officials urge patience as holiday, mail-in ballots will affect count.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: SC primary runoffs Tuesday will set November ballots.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: GOP senator running for Congress resigns, enabling voters to replace him in November.

• ALASKA: Alaska legislators probe decision to remove candidate from the ballot.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: South Dakota Republican state senator charged with felony over false candidate forms.

• IDAHO: Idaho PACs spent more than $4.2M on primary races.

Redistricting and gerrymandering

Georgia Republicans dropped plans to redraw the state’s congressional map as the redistricting fight shifts from new maps to defending the ones already drawn.

• GEORGIA: Georgia Republican lawmakers drop plans to redistrict, citing pending legal cases.

• GEORGIA: On redistricting, Georgia GOP lawmakers concluded today’s election risks outweighed future gains.

• MISSOURI: Missouri secretary of state sues to close records on redistricting referendum signatures.

• UTAH: After redistricting saga, Moore leads GOP primary for Utah’s second congressional district.

Voter rolls and the DOJ

With a federal judge blocking the administration’s revamped citizenship-checking database, the Justice Department and outside groups still managed to keep pushing into state voter rolls this week, from Wisconsin to Ohio.

• ARIZONA: 9th Circuit freezes DOJ appeal over AZ voter rolls while it weighs similar California, Oregon cases.

• MARYLAND: Federal judge tosses Justice Department lawsuit seeking Maryland voter records.

• WISCONSIN: Wisconsin, outside groups urge appeals court to reject US demand for state’s voter list.

• NEBRASKA: Republican National Committee sues Nebraska over state election law.

• OHIO: Ohio voter rights group denies any wrongdoing while FBI stays silent on ‘swarms’ across state.

• VIRGINIA: Civil rights group files motion to speed up Va.’s reform of voter registration process for ex-felons.

Immigration enforcement and detention

States and advocates continued chipping away at ICE’s detention footprint this week as families fought individual cases through the courts.

ICE pulls back on detention facilities

• ARIZONA: Frustrated by inaction on ICE warehouse, activists move to dissolve Surprise, AZ altogether.

• FLORIDA: ICE empties ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ amid hurricane season. Activists aren’t buying it.

• FLORIDA: Florida still owes $603 million on immigration enforcement contracts.

• GEORGIA: DHS appears to axe plan to construct immigration detention megacenter in small Georgia town.

• MICHIGAN: ICE scraps plans for Romulus detention center, AG says.

• PENNSYLVANIA: ICE plans to offload Berks County and Schuylkill County warehouses, report says.

• UTAH: ICE plans to offload Salt Lake City warehouse, report says.

Detainees and due process

• NEW JERSEY: Advocates say Delaney Hall detainees have ended hunger strike.

• TENNESSEE: Congressman urges Gov. Bill Lee to revoke directive to report immigration status of sick kids.

• MINNESOTA: Judge rules DOJ used grand jury subpoenas to coerce Minnesota officials on ICE enforcement during Metro Surge.

Data centers, utilities, and the grid

The data center boom kept colliding with ratepayer politics this week, from utility commission shakeups to local fights over where the next facility gets built.

Utility rates and regulation

• INDIANA: Braun replaces chairman of the Utility Regulatory Commission days after AES rate-hike decision.

• INDIANA: State regulators approve $70M increase for AES, less than utility originally sought.

• LOUISIANA: Gov. Landry weighs in on Entergy’s proposed power plant purchase.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Pa. House passes $1.7B tax cut on electricity, reins in utility company profits.

• OHIO: Ohio proposed constitutional amendment to ban data centers will not be on this year’s ballot.

• ARIZONA: Hobbs vetoes bill to fast-track small nuclear reactors at Arizona data centers.

Local fights over new builds

• MONTANA: High interest in data center discussion at Public Service Commission.

• MAINE: Jay data center on hold indefinitely as company backs out, despite veto of statewide ban.

• MICHIGAN: Senate Democrats propose tighter regulations on data centers amid statewide backlash.

• MICHIGAN: House Republican bill would allow aboveground power lines to use highway rights-of-way.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Rally attendees criticize Gov. Shapiro for being ‘incredibly cozy’ with data center industry.

• NEW MEXICO: New Mexico judge dismisses Project Jupiter data center lawsuit, but offers chance to re-file.

• VIRGINIA: Amid statewide drought conditions, data centers face same restrictions as all water customers.

• VIRGINIA: Virginia’s data center fight deepens Dem divisions and more state headlines.

• WASHINGTON: Big battery farms encounter resistance across western Washington.

• CALIFORNIA: This million-square-foot data center would be the biggest in the state. How local leaders are challenging it.

It’s Saturday, June 13, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup. With primary season in full swing, there’s no shortage of political news, and two of the biggest stories of the week — Maine and California — are key reminders of why we should care about renovating our democracy. The systems we put in place to run elections shape both the outcome and how people feel about the outcome in ways that outlast any single race.

This week, our founder Danielle Allen outlines important takeaways from Graham Platner’s Maine primary win. In her piece, “Lessons from Platner’s Victory,” Danielle examines how Platner’s seemingly decisive 72 percent primary win represented the votes of just 16 percent of Maine’s registered voters and fewer than half of the state’s registered Democrats. The pattern, she explains, is not specific to Platner or his coalition. It’s happening in multiple places where low-turnout party primaries advance candidates without meaningful majorities, leaving room for instability, dissatisfaction, and alienation.

In California, the same underlying question played out differently: the New York Times editorial board called the state’s slow ballot counting a “failure of governance” this week, pointing out that allowing mail ballots to arrive days after the Election and chronically overfunding vote-count operations reduces public faith in elections and “serves the interest of conspiracists.” And, unsurprisingly, President Trump used California’s delay as an opportunity to elevate lies about election fraud and sow further distrust amongst the electorate by dispatching a federal prosecutor to a Los Angeles vote-counting center and announcing fraud investigations into the primary.

The shared concern in both these stories — trust in democracy — is a core part of our mission at the Renovator. And, with that, we’re covering these developments and more state-level changes to election administration, redistricting, voter access, ballot measures, state budgets, and the safety net below.

California at the Center

Amidst this discussion of reform, it’s important to point out that Trump’s escalating attacks on California’s primary are not about the mechanics of the June primary. Rather, they’re a part of the Administration’s ongoing effort to undermine election results and challenge past and future Republican losses

• NATIONAL: In hopeful sign for mail-in voting, court fast tracks bid to block Trump order.

• NATIONAL: DOJ’s latest answer on why it wants state voter rolls: ‘I’m not going to get into the details.’

• NATIONAL: States step into voting rights void left by federal rulings.

• WISCONSIN: Trump administration’s multiple investigations of the 2020 election may have more to do with 2026.

• CALIFORNIA: California is the new ground zero for free and fair elections.

• CALIFORNIA: Why does California take so long to count ballots?

Primary Season

Primaries across more than a dozen states this week produced upsets, runoffs, and intraparty reckonings. The midterm map is taking shape.

• MAINE: Ranked choice voting will determine Maine’s Democratic nominee for governor.

• NORTH DAKOTA: 6 incumbent North Dakota lawmakers ousted in GOP primary.

• NORTH DAKOTA: North Dakota Republican leaders urge ‘soul-searching’ after contentious primary.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: 2 SC legislators ousted in primaries include GOP sponsor of redistricting bill.

• GEORGIA: High-profile races boost GOP turnout, spelling trouble for Democrats in one Georgia Senate seat.

• NEVADA: Primary process recap: New voting machines, low turnout, and a premature results release.

• NEBRASKA: Nebraska officials certify results for May 12 primary election that ran ‘very smoothly.’

• MICHIGAN: Michigan’s U.S. Senate primary highlights divisions within Democratic Party.

• WEST VIRGINIA: Del. Kimble challenges election loss, says GOP ballots exceeded number of registered GOP voters.

• TENNESSEE: These Republican lawmakers challenged abortion bans. Then they faced backlash.

• IDAHO: Immigration enforcement was a top issue for candidates in Idaho’s May primary election.

• LOUISIANA: Early voting starts for June 27 party runoffs.

• OKLAHOMA: Oklahomans cast their ballots Thursday as early voting begins.

Redistricting

Courts remain the last line of defense as states continue drawing maps to partisan advantage.

• FLORIDA: Florida Supreme Court rejects emergency petition to stop DeSantis’ redistricted congressional map.

• TENNESSEE: NAACP files for federal court injunction to stop new Tennessee congressional map.

• WISCONSIN: Wisconsin Supreme Court agrees to hear second congressional maps challenge.

• VIRGINIA: How Virginia Democrats are coping with their redistricting defeat and more headlines.

• WASHINGTON: Why AG Nick Brown wants the Supreme Court involved in WA’s redistricting fight.

• KANSAS: Who is pushing the constitutional amendment to change Kansas Supreme Court judicial selection?

Voter Rolls, Voter ID, and Registration

Indiana this week canceled or rejected voter registration for more than half of flagged immigrant Hoosiers. It’s one of several moves across states to tighten who’s eligible to vote heading into November.

• INDIANA: Indiana rejects, cancels voter registration for more than half of flagged immigrant Hoosiers.

• INDIANA: Closed primaries are in vogue with Indiana Republicans. But what would they look like?

• LOUISIANA: Louisiana adopts stricter voter ID rules that suffrage advocates call unneeded.

• MARYLAND: State election officials ask judge to block access to sensitive voter records.

• MARYLAND: Elections panel approves guidelines to ‘address the canvassing issue.’

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: After court ruling, here’s what Granite Staters need to register to vote.

• ARIZONA: Mayes: Pima County GOP can’t cite a single time the rules they want blocked were misused.

• GEORGIA: Republicans are using Callais to defend voter suppression laws, not just gerrymanders.

Ballot Measures

Ohio Republicans sent a voter photo ID constitutional amendment to the ballot this week, while Missouri’s direct democracy process drew a $2 million opposition campaign. Ballot language itself is proving to be its own battleground, with courts in Montana and Florida wading in.

• OHIO: Ohio Republican lawmakers send constitutional amendment requiring voter photo ID to ballot.

• MISSOURI: Missouri Realtors spend $2 million to fight Amendment 4 limits on citizen initiative petitions.

• MISSOURI: Missouri Supreme Court declines to hear appeal over Amendment 5 ballot summary.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Court hears arguments on ballot-question deadlines as petition drive continues past disputed dates.

• MONTANA: Montana Supreme Court rewords ballot language for Transparent Election Initiative.

• FLORIDA: Lawsuit claims proposed property tax amendment’s ballot language is ‘biased.’

• NEW MEXICO: Independent NM governor candidate sues Secretary of State over ‘unjust burden’ to make ballot.

State Budgets

States are facing mounting fiscal pressure as federal funding uncertainty and slow economic growth eat into reserves that legislatures built up post-pandemic.

• NATIONAL: States face more budget pressures amid rising costs, slow growth.

• ARIZONA: Arizona’s $18.3B budget passes with $1.4B in Trump tax cuts and a data center freeze.

• MISSOURI: Missouri auditor warns deep budget cuts loom as surplus nears end.

• KENTUCKY: A week after announcing budget cuts, Kentucky gov moves millions to offset them.

• NORTH CAROLINA: NC Democrats highlight impacts on state workers’ pay due to years with no state budget.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Pa. House votes to fund property tax cut for seniors with a levy targeting big tech companies.

• RHODE ISLAND: House approves $15.2B FY27 budget with marquee acquisition: millionaire’s tax.

• WASHINGTON: WA governor’s office warns agencies to prepare for ‘significant budget shortfalls.’

The Safety Net

A federal court this week paused USDA funding conditions for SNAP and WIC that states had challenged as unconstitutional, providing some relief in a week when federal cutbacks continued to filter down into food assistance, housing, and healthcare programs.

• VIRGINIA: Injunction pauses ‘unconstitutional’ USDA conditions for SNAP, WIC funding to Virginia, other states.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Pa. Senate committee moves bills to safeguard social services programs.

• WISCONSIN: Wisconsin health dept. introduces BadgerCare recipients to new federal work requirement.

• LOUISIANA: Louisiana expands SNAP fruit & veggie bonus to Walmarts statewide.

• NEVADA: Summer EBT food benefits are here, redemption rate was 80% last year.

• OREGON: Summer food benefits now available to many Oregon families with kids.

• NEBRASKA: Nebraska auditor alleges high-income families benefiting from federal WIC Program.

• CALIFORNIA: Trump administration blocks federal homelessness funds in Los Angeles.

In Case You Missed It …

• “Lessons from Platner’s Victory,” By Danielle Allen, June 11, 2026

• “12 Days Out: Alex Bores on AI, Democracy, and the Race for Manhattan,” By Zachey Kliger, June 10, 2026

• “Civic Education News Roundup: Introducing Democracy 201!,” By Joanna Kenty, June 8, 2026

It’s Friday, June 5, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States’ Weekly Roundup.

Let’s start with the good news! Yesterday, the U.S. Senate rejected the SAVE America Act, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump’s push for new voting restrictions ahead of the November midterm elections. The 48-50 vote highlighted Republican divisions on the issue, as the bill would have required voters to present proof of citizenship to register, mandated photo ID at the polls, and sharply curtailed registration drives.

While that particular election-overhaul threat has passed (or paused), there are many more to watch at the state and federal levels.

The redistricting war intensified further this week as the U.S. Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use its 2023 congressional map in the August primary, overturning a lower court ruling that found the map racially discriminatory. On a separate front, the NAACP filed a motion alleging that a new USPS rule advancing Trump’s mail-voting agenda violates an existing court settlement, while the Trump DOJ continued staffing its voting section with lawyers who worked to overturn the 2020 election and fighting states over voter roll access.

All of this coincided with six additional state primaries this week, which together represent the first major multi-state test of the 2026 midterm cycle. We’re covering these developments and more state-level changes to redistricting, voting rights, the 2026 primaries, state courts and legislation, and the downstream effects of federal policy changes below.

Primary Season

Six states — California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota — held primaries on Tuesday. While California may have drawn the most national attention, Montana delivered the biggest surprise.

• MONTANA: Eight incumbent Republican lawmakers lost their primary races to challengers from within their own party. Notable losses included Senate Majority Whip Barry Usher and Sen. Shelley Vance, the only member of “The Nine” up for reelection, who lost her seat by a wide margin. In the House, six incumbents, including Freedom Caucus member Nelly Nicol, were ousted by more conservative newcomers.

• CALIFORNIA: Federal authorities have launched investigations related to California’s recent elections after President Trump made unsubstantiated claims of fraud, including accusations that Democrats are “trying to steal” the primary. The probes began as a federal prosecutor visited a Los Angeles County ballot processing center. Ballots postmarked by election day and received within seven days remain valid under state law.

• CALIFORNIA: Mainstream Democrats lead in California’s all-party congressional primaries. Among the races that could decide the House majority, progressive Randy Villegas is edging out moderate Jasmeet Bains in the 22nd District for the chance to take on vulnerable Republican Rep. David Valadao.

• CALIFORNIA: Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass is projected to advance to the Los Angeles mayoral November runoff, with Trump-backed reality TV personality Spencer Pratt holding a less-than-4-point lead over Councilmember Nithya Raman for the second spot.

• IOWA: U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra concedes to Zach Lahn in 2026 Iowa GOP gubernatorial primary. Feenstra is the second Trump-endorsed candidate to lose a primary outright in 2026. U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who also received Trump’s endorsement, won the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.

• NEW MEXICO: Deb Haaland, the first Native American woman elected to Congress and former Biden Interior Secretary, won the Democratic gubernatorial primary decisively over Democrat Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, as Republican Gregg Hull, former longtime mayor of Rio Rancho, secured the GOP nomination.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: No candidate cleared the 35% threshold in the Republican gubernatorial primary, sending Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden to the state’s first-ever statewide runoff for a party’s gubernatorial nomination. The winner will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November.

• NEW JERSEY: Democrats nominated Rebecca Bennett in the 7th Congressional District to challenge Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who has missed over 100 votes since early March, in a race that could control the House. Rep. LaMonica McIver easily won her primary despite federal charges from an immigration protest, and Democrat Zack Mullock won the 2nd District primary to challenge Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who switched to become a Republican in 2019.

Redistricting

The Alabama congressional maps are just one front in a multi-state, multi-district fight to redraw lines and move cases through courts before 2026 Midterm ballots are locked in.

• ALABAMA: Supreme Court allows Alabama to use 2023 congressional map in August special primary.

• ALABAMA: Federal appeals court allows Alabama to use 2021 state Senate map.

• LOUISIANA: Litigation looms as Louisiana Legislature approves new congressional map.

• FLORIDA: Pro-voting groups ask Florida Supreme Court to block GOP gerrymander.

• WISCONSIN: Wisconsin Supreme Court agrees to hear congressional maps lawsuit.

• WASHINGTON: WA urges US Supreme Court to take redistricting case.

Election Administration and Voting Rights

As the Trump DOJ continues fighting in multiple states to access voter rolls, a New Jersey civil rights coalition tells the court the government's moves are a “means of intimidation” reminiscent of poll taxes and literacy tests.

• ARIZONA: DOJ will keep fighting for Arizona voter database after Trump-appointed judge tossed its case.

• RHODE ISLAND: Trump administration files appeal in Rhode Island voter data privacy case.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Ahead of midterms, federal court strikes down NH proof-of-citizenship voter registration law.

• VIRGINIA: Virginia agrees to make voter registration easier for college students.

• NORTH CAROLINA: A GOP county elections board member said he was warned against voting for a campus polling site.

• OHIO: Ohio photo voter ID amendment prompts pushback across political spectrum.

• GEORGIA: State Election Board passes non-binding resolution allowing counties to switch to hand-marked ballots.

• CALIFORNIA: Election denier likely loses job in Shasta County. But voters back hand-counting ballots.

• OKLAHOMA: Advocates challenge the rejection of Oklahoma open primaries initiative petition.

• ARIZONA: Mayes will go back to the grand jury after Arizona Supreme Court doesn’t revive fake electors case.

• NEBRASKA: A new era for Nebraska elections is coming as voters reject incumbent Secretary of State and top election official, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest.

States and Federal Policy Changes

States are absorbing the downstream consequences of federal budget decisions, from Jan. 1 Medicaid work requirement deadlines to cuts affecting foster care, school funding, and rural health insurance coverage.

• KENTUCKY: KY gov announces foster care, Medicaid reimbursement, other program cuts.

• WISCONSIN: Advocates say feds’ Medicaid work rule could make qualifying for healthcare needlessly hard.

• MINNESOTA: In rush to meet federal deadline, Minnesota cuts funding to 60% of providers in 13 Medicaid programs.

• CALIFORNIA: Medi-Cal cuts, tax increases loom as Capitol lawmakers dicker over the budget.

• WASHINGTON: Where Affordable Care Act insurance coverage has dropped most in WA.

• IDAHO: Conservation groups speak out after Trump repeals off-road vehicle regulations on public land.

• VIRGINIA: Virginia budget impasse threatens school funding, poses potential staffing challenges.

In Case You Missed It …

• “Time to Ditch Platner,” By Danielle Allen, June 4, 2026

• “The IRS Slush Fund Is a Test. Too Many Republicans Are Failing It.,” By Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno, June 2, 2026

• “June 1 Tech and Democracy Roundup: Trump, the Pope, and the Future of Search,” By Zachey Kliger, June 1, 2026

It’s Friday, May 15, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup.

Just two and a half weeks ago, the U.S. Supreme Court dramatically weakened the Voting Rights Act in Callais v. Louisiana—and then, as if to put a finer point on things, the Court kicked off the week by vacating the decision that had shielded Alabama’s majority-Black district. If you feel like the word “apocalypse” is cropping up more than usual lately, you’re not alone. Redistricting fights and their fallout seem to be everywhere, with Republican-controlled legislatures across the South moving at breakneck speed to eliminate majority-Black districts before November.

It’s not just the pace of change, but its depth. Our founder, Danielle Allen, published a piece this week arguing that the crisis goes even deeper than Callais. By her estimate, about one in four Americans is already structurally disenfranchised by decades of gerrymandering and closed primary systems, and the current wave of redistricting is accelerating the problem. Her piece is well worth reading alongside this week’s roundup because, in typical Renovator fashion, she doesn’t stop at the diagnosis. Instead, her piece “Are We Ready for a New Voting Rights Movement?” outlines specific pathways to re-enfranchise Americans who’ve lost a meaningful vote.

Redistricting

The gerrymander blitz entered a new phase this week, with federal and state courts handing Republicans a string of wins while statehouses from Louisiana to South Carolina pushed forward with maps designed to eliminate majority-Black congressional seats before November.

In the Courts

• ALABAMA: US Supreme Court overturns 2023 Alabama map ruling, clearing the way for redistricting. Citizen protests over the decision are underway.

• MISSOURI: Missouri Supreme Court upholds gerrymandered congressional map for August primary.

• VIRGINIA: Virginia Democrats seek emergency injunction from US Supreme Court in redistricting fight. Meanwhile, the governor says they will use the old congressional map for midterms.

At the Legislature

• LOUISIANA: State Senate passes GOP gerrymander, erasing majority-Black district.

• LOUISIANA: ‘Recognize the danger’: New Orleans leaders urge activism with redistricting writing on the wall.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: Senators reject White House push to redraw SC’s voting lines. But the Governor forces lawmakers back for a special redistricting session anyway.

• GEORGIA: Georgia governor calls for Republicans to gerrymander maps ahead of 2028 elections.

• WASHINGTON: Federal judge asked to ditch WA legislative district maps.

Spotlight on Tennessee

Tennessee’s Republican-controlled legislature used a special session last week to crack Memphis into three congressional districts, eliminating the state’s only majority-Black and majority-Democratic seat. This week brought two consequences: a flood of lawsuits and a wave of political retaliation against the Democrats who resisted.

• TENNESSEE: Democratic candidates, voters file federal challenge to Tennessee’s redistricting.

• TENNESSEE: ACLU sues to block redrawn Tennessee congressional map that breaks up Memphis.

• TENNESSEE: Voting rights groups accuse Tennessee GOP of racially targeting Black voters in latest gerrymander lawsuit.

• TENNESSEE: Federal judge sets May 20 hearing in Tennessee redistricting lawsuit.

• TENNESSEE: Tennessee House speaker suspends all Dems from committees, citing decorum violation.

Election Administration and Voting Rights

The redistricting fights are the loudest story this week, but the infrastructure of American elections is under pressure on several quieter fronts, including a federal agent who knocked on an election director’s door at home in Milwaukee.

• WISCONSIN: Report: FBI investigating 2020 Wisconsin election.

• NATIONAL: Report: Trump White House helping build national voter list.

• NATIONAL: Cleta Mitchell’s election denial network releases new blueprint to severely restrict voting.

• MONTANA: Montana district court blocks law restricting voter registration hours, allows voter ID law.

• GEORGIA: Georgia counties to sue over new election law targeting Democratic areas.

• ARIZONA: Maricopa County’s election IT fight isn’t about IT. It’s about democracy.

• MISSOURI: Boone County clerk refuses to update voter rolls amid uncertainty over Missouri map.

• ALABAMA: Gov. Kay Ivey sets special elections for four congressional districts.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: New laws result in 1,500 federal-only voter registrations ahead of South Dakota primary election.

Primary Season

West Virginia and Nebraska held primaries Tuesday, with results that ranged from a governor’s mixed attempt at political purge to a secretary of state upset that alarmed election watchers. Georgia, Kentucky, Oregon, and Idaho head into their own contests in the coming days.

• WEST VIRGINIA: Capito secures GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in WV, will face Fetty Anderson in November general.

• WEST VIRGINIA: Speaker Hanshaw vows ‘we will remember’ after Morrisey targets House members in elections.

• NEBRASKA: Scott Petersen wins GOP primary race for Nebraska secretary of state against incumbent Bob Evnen.

• NEBRASKA: Denise Powell wins Dem nomination in Nebraska’s 2nd District.

• LOUISIANA: Angry voters and closed primaries: A preview of Election Day on May 16.

• KENTUCKY: Will Massie’s ‘army of fanatics’ be enough to fight off Trump’s challenger in 4th District?

• SOUTH CAROLINA: SC House panel approves 2-month delay in congressional primary amid redistricting push.

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It’s Friday, May 8, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup.

If you blinked this week, you could have easily missed another attempt at gerrymandering. Eight days after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in Callais v. Louisiana, legislatures in the South were racing to redraw more favorable districts. At the same time, conflicting federal court orders on abortion medication left access uncertain, with a Supreme Court stay set to expire May 11. We’re covering these developments and more state-level changes to voting rights, immigration enforcement, and the growing fight over data center power demand below.

Tuesday’s Primaries

The 2026 elections are already underway, and this week’s primaries produced two nationally significant results, including Trump’s redistricting revenge in Indiana and a reassuring special election result for Democrats in Michigan. Meanwhile, Ohio voters chose their primary slates as eight other states readied for their own May primaries.

• INDIANA: Trump-backed challengers ousted state senators who had voted against mid-decade redistricting, with leadership shake-ups expected heading into the fall session.

• MICHIGAN: Greene wins Michigan Senate special election, Democrats retain control of chamber.

• OHIO: Sherrod Brown wins Ohio Democratic U.S. Senate primary, set to face Jon Husted in November.

Redistricting

The nation’s redistricting fights are this week’s defining story, accelerated by the Supreme Court’s Callais ruling. Tennessee moved fastest, but it is not alone. Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida are all in active redistricting fights, while Virginia and Washington are watching what comes next.

• INDIANA: Redistricting return, leadership questions loom after Indiana Senate primary shakeup.

• ALABAMA: Alabama lawmakers advance primary bills as protests erupt in committees.

• ALABAMA: Alabama NAACP: State attempt at redistricting a ‘contrived crisis.’

• LOUISIANA: Louisiana used unconstitutional US House maps for past elections. Why not now?

• FLORIDA: DeSantis, plaintiffs agree new map breaks FL Constitution. Does it apply anyway?

• VIRGINIA: FBI raids Virginia redistricting champion Sen. Louise Lucas’ office and business.

• WASHINGTON: In wake of Supreme Court ruling, WA Democrats weigh congressional redistricting options.

• TENNESSEE: Tenn. passes new potential 9-0 GOP U.S. House map eight days after SCOTUS guts Voting Rights Act.

• TENNESSEE: ‘Jim Crow on steroids’: Tennessee gerrymander included nixing rule that voters must be notified about new districts.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: SC House advances efforts to redraw the state’s congressional districts.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: White House map of SC voting lines could help Democrats, GOP leader warns.

Voting Rights & Voter Data

The post-Callais fallout is showing up in polling, court filings, and the ongoing federal push into state voter rolls, with states handling DOJ voter data demands in very different ways. A new Democracy Docket poll finds most voters still say the VRA is needed, even after the Supreme Court gutted it.

• IOWA: Democrats criticize Iowa’s decision to share voter info with US Justice Department.

• TENNESSEE: TN governor signs law requiring new citizenship vetting for voters if feds develop national database.

• GEORGIA: Fulton County fights Department of Justice push for 2020 election worker information.

• ARIZONA: Campaign launched to enshrine vote-by-mail in state constitution and counter GOP restrictions.

Abortion Medication

A week of conflicting court orders left access to abortion medication in uncertain territory. The 5th Circuit blocked telehealth mifepristone prescriptions nationwide, but the Supreme Court issued a temporary stay that expires May 11, restoring access for now. Meanwhile, states are making changes on their own.

• IOWA: Iowa House votes to restrict abortion medication, requiring in-person prescriptions.

• OKLAHOMA: Governor signs Oklahoma bill criminalizing providing abortion-inducing drugs.

• MISSOURI: Missouri ‘born-alive’ abortion bill a top priority as session clock runs out.

• OHIO: Ohio abortion rights advocates concerned about health access as US Supreme Court mulls mail access.

Immigration Enforcement

The week’s notable moment came from the Border Security Expo in Arizona, where ICE Director Todd Lyons made a striking admission that he didn’t know some deportation countries existed. But the federal immigration decisions are playing out across states in all directions.

• ARIZONA: ‘I can’t even sleep’: Arizona immigrant hit with $1.8M fine for staying in US.

• OREGON: Lawsuit alleges Oregon State Police violated sanctuary laws by sharing data with feds.

• ARIZONA: Republicans fall one vote short on bill to criminalize blowing whistles to warn of ICE.

• MAINE: Portland limits immigration enforcement assistance, going beyond other cities.

• RHODE ISLAND: RI federal judge orders investigation after ICE failed to disclose man’s murder warrant.

Data Centers & the Grid

Communities across the country are pushing back on data center projects, and grid operators are warning that power demand is outpacing what the infrastructure can handle.

• UTAH: Massive Box Elder County data center could increase Utah’s carbon emissions by 50%.

• VIRGINIA: Dominion announces plans for new 3-gigawatt gas plant in Cumberland County.

• MONTANA: NorthWestern’s mega-monopoly merger is all about data centers.

• NEW MEXICO: New Mexico residents oppose proposed data center at Socorro town hall.

• LOUISIANA: Data center hype faces AI regulation and community resistance.

• GEORGIA: Advocates question Georgia Power fuel rates amid data center boom.

It’s Friday, May 1, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States’ Weekly Roundup.

This has been a particularly tumultuous week for American democracy, policy, and politics. At a national level, a week that started with a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and ended with the administration’s questionable interpretation of the War Powers Resolution also saw a Supreme Court decision that turned the political world upside down.

On Wednesday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and removing the main legal tool advocates have used for decades to promote fair representation. The move triggered a new phase in states’ ongoing mid-decade redistricting war.

We’re covering these developments and more state-level changes to elections, budgets, and immigration policies below.

The Callais Earthquake: SCOTUS Guts the Voting Rights Act

In striking down Louisiana’s congressional map, the Supreme Court dramatically narrowed the Voting Rights Act’s power to protect minority representation. The move created immediate political fallout, derailing 28 active lawsuits across the country, greenlighting gerrymandering in at least four additional states, and delaying Louisiana’s U.S. House primary election.

• LOUISIANA: Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana congressional maps in case with national implications.

• FLORIDA: An hour after SCOTUS guts Voting Rights Act, Florida House passes GOP gerrymander.

• LOUISIANA: Louisiana governor postpones U.S. House primary elections after Supreme Court ruling.

• ALABAMA: Callais fallout in Alabama — No redistricting now, says Ivey

• ARKANSAS: Voting Rights Act ruling could have major impact in Arkansas, groups say.

• MARYLAND: Maryland Democrats hope brand-new state Voting Rights Act holds in the face of Supreme Court ruling.

• NORTH DAKOTA: North Dakota tribal redistricting case still in limbo after Voting Rights Act decision.

  ---

The DOJ Voter Data Campaign

The administration’s push to collect private voter data from states kept hitting walls this week, drawing resistance from a growing list of red states and a Trump-appointed judge.

• ARIZONA: Arizona’s voter database is not the DOJ’s to demand, a Trump-appointed judge rules.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: SC can send voter rolls to the federal government, Election Commission says. One of the few states to comply without a legal fight.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Federal court dismisses ‘election integrity’ group’s lawsuit over Pa. election rolls.

Election Administration

Two states this week moved in opposite directions on primary access, while Montana’s new ballot envelope law is already causing problems on the ground.

• COLORADO: Judge says unaffiliated Colorado voters can participate in Republican primary election.

• MARYLAND: Moore: Closed primary election system ‘has run its course.’

• ALASKA: Gov. Dunleavy vetoes bipartisan elections reform bill.

• MONTANA: Even after reminder, voters struggling with new law requiring birth year on ballot envelope.

Immigration and the ICE Detention Wave

States are divided over detention centers, deportation enforcement, and whether to comply with or resist federal pressure, with responses ranging from lawsuits to model legislation.

• MICHIGAN: Michigan Supreme Court approves rule banning civil arrests, including by ICE, at legal proceedings.

• WASHINGTON: WA asks judge to force Tacoma immigrant detention center operator to let inspectors in.

• ARIZONA: AG rejects GOP complaint against Phoenix policy, says it can refuse to help ICE.

• MAINE: How Maine’s new laws push back on Trump’s deportation agenda.

• TENNESSEE: A model for the nation? Tennessee GOP ushers in sweeping ‘Immigration 2026’ agenda.

• MINNESOTA: Minnesota Senate passes aid package for businesses impacted by immigration crackdown.

State Budgets & Legislation

Budget season is wrapping up amid federal policy whiplash, and the results range from rushed partisan votes to programs quietly shutting down.

Funding Cuts

• NEBRASKA: Critics decry Nebraska’s ‘rush’ to be first enforcer of new federal Medicaid rules.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: 1,213 South Dakotans could lose Medicaid as federal work requirements take effect, department says.

• INDIANA: FSSA hiring 400 employees to monitor Medicaid eligibility ahead of work requirements. FSSA is Indiana’s family and social services agency.

• RHODE ISLAND: States face another challenge with Medicaid work rules: staffing shortages.

• INDIANA: Indiana to sunset HIV outreach program amid federal funding cuts.

• IOWA: Eligibility restrictions for food assistance programs head to governor’s desk.

• ALABAMA: Federal budget changes to SNAP could cost Alabama up to $261 million.

Budget Negotiations

• ARIZONA: Republicans ram through Arizona budget two days after unveiling it, setting up showdown with Hobbs.

• VIRGINIA: Data center tax exemption changes still holding up Virginia budget.

• WEST VIRGINIA: Balancing the budget on West Virginians’ backs. Cuts to working-class programs are absorbing the cost of federal funding losses.

• ARKANSAS: Arkansas lawmakers give $6.7B budget final OK, adjourn session.

Don’t Miss This …

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It’s Friday, April 25, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup. Writing from Hawaii this week — home, finally — where the state legislature could become the first in the nation to neutralize Citizens’ United at the state level. The bill, which is in the final stage of the legislative process, would affirm that corporations, as entities governed by state law, don’t have the power to spend money on elections. It’s a novel approach to campaign finance reform that could be replicated across the country — provided the courts don’t strike it down.

That’s a common refrain in a few of this week’s bigger stories. In Virginia, voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade redistricting only to have a county judge issue a permanent injunction before the week was out. At the federal level, a new ProPublica investigation lays out in detail how the Trump White House has put into motion a systematic plan to take over 2026 midterm election administration state by state. Meanwhile, states are pushing back in courts across the country, resisting the administration’s demands for voter rolls. Rhode Island became the fifth state to beat back a DOJ lawsuit, while Michigan, Alaska, and Utah each mounted their own resistance.

Also, this week, the DOJ indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center on 11 fraud and money laundering counts tied to a decades-old paid informant program, a prosecution legal experts have widely dismissed as politically motivated.

And, lastly, Republican Sen. Tom Davis is acting as a one-man firewall against an abortion bill that could send women to prison for two years. The bill advanced out of committee by an 8-4 vote, mostly along party lines, with Davis casting the sole Republican no vote and pledging to block it on the Senate floor. One senator, standing against his own caucus — it’s the kind of moment we pay attention to at The Renovator.

Federal Election Takeover & States’ Positions

If you only click a single link here, make it this ProPublica investigation into the Trump administration’s systematic effort to reshape how 2026 midterm elections are administered, which is playing out in parallel with a federal campaign to extract voter rolls from resistant states, fresh challenges to mail voting, and an effort to strip military families of their ballots.

Mail voting & military ballots

As the administration seeks to exert unparalleled federal control over mail-in voting and voter eligibility through new executive orders, Republican attorneys general are moving to intervene in legal battles to support these federal restrictions.

• NATIONAL: A dozen red states want to help defend Trump’s anti-mail voting executive order.

• MICHIGAN: Michigan court tosses Republican suit challenging overseas voting for military spouses and children.

Voter data & DOJ demands

Federal courts are pushing back on the administration’s efforts to extract state voter rolls, and this week brought new evidence that the effort started earlier than previously known.

• RHODE ISLAND: Federal judge rejects DOJ lawsuit against Rhode Island over voter rolls.

• ALASKA: Civil rights groups sue Alaska Division of Elections for sharing voter rolls with DOJ.

• MICHIGAN: ‘Absurd’ and ‘baseless’: Michigan officials push back on DOJ demand for 2024 election records.

• UTAH: Utah voter group is ‘determined to act as a firewall’ against Trump’s DOJ.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Federal court dismisses ‘election integrity’ group’s lawsuit over Pa. election rolls.

• NATIONAL: Emails reveal DOJ officials planned to share voter rolls with DHS much earlier than they admitted.

Redistricting

What started as a Trump-pushed effort to “find more votes” was flipped on its head again this week in Virginia, where the process of redrawing maps has landed in a high-stakes legal stalemate.

• VIRGINIA: Virginia voters back redistricting amendment after months of legal and political battles.

• VIRGINIA: Virginia court blocks voter-approved redistricting, appeal coming.

• FLORIDA: Eric Holder to Floridians: Tell Legislature its redistricting effort is ‘not acceptable’.

• KANSAS: U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids celebrates end of GOP bid to gerrymander Kansas congressional districts.

Election Administration & Voting Systems

With election seasons well underway and district lines becoming clearer, states are still weighing changes to their electoral systems, even as the effects of previous changes impact voters.

Primary systems & ballot reform

• LOUISIANA: Democratic voters shut out of picking Louisiana’s new Supreme Court justice.

• TENNESSEE: In pushing partisan declarations in Tennessee’s open primary elections, the devil is in the details.

• MASSACHUSETTS: Frustrated by voter initiatives, lawmakers plot ballot reform.

• IDAHO: Idaho sends Congress a message to act on campaign finance reform.

Administration & audits

• ALABAMA: Alabama elections now subject to audit, but bill sponsor wants some changes.

• GEORGIA: Election officials left in limbo as state leaders contemplate next steps for ballot QR codes.

• WASHINGTON: WA GOP leader says he has box of ballots found next to a Renton dumpster.

• NEVADA: Nevada among nation’s best at administering elections, MIT report finds.

• ARIZONA: Conservative groups lose appeal of election overhaul lawsuit.

ICE & Immigration Enforcement

The week’s immigration stories show two Americas: states mandating cooperation with federal enforcement while others create space for protests and pushback.

State & local policies

• TENNESSEE: Every Tennessee sheriff required to work with ICE in legislation headed to the governor’s desk.

• TENNESSEE: Bill requiring reporting of immigrants by public clinics, other agencies heads to governor’s desk.

• ARIZONA: Arizona police agencies chose not to partner with ICE. This GOP bill would take that choice away.

• MAINE: Cumberland County commissioners vote to stop holding ICE detainees in county jail.

• CALIFORNIA: 9th Circuit blocks California limits on anonymous immigration agents.

Protests & local resistance

• INDIANA: Federal judge grants injunction for ICE tracker sites.

• MICHIGAN: Detainee speaks out as hunger strike continues at Michigan’s largest ICE detention center.

• RHODE ISLAND: Brown union to pull $500K from Citizens Bank over ICE ties.

Health & Housing Needs

As most legislative sessions conclude, states continue to grapple with the repercussions of federal budget changes, requirements, and other uncertainties on their essential social programs.

Medicaid support

• IDAHO: New federal Medicaid rules require one month of work. Some states like Idaho demand more.

• MISSOURI, OKLAHOMA, and SOUTH DAKOTA: Republican lawmakers in 3 states want voters to alter or scrap Medicaid expansion.

SNAP requirements

• ALABAMA: Federal budget changes to SNAP could cost Alabama up to $261 million.

• RHODE ISLAND: Why Rhode Island can‘t afford to lose the race to reduce its SNAP error rate.

• KANSAS: Food assistance audit finds potential $1.2 million paid to people living outside Kansas.

Housing policy

• OREGON: Oregon governor signs housing bills addressing affordability, urban growth boundaries.

• FLORIDA: The call for smaller lot sizes to ease Florida’s housing crisis.

• CALIFORNIA: California blocks Trump administration from withholding homelessness funds.

AI, Data Centers, & Platform Governance

The most persistent issue transcending party lines is the development of artificial intelligence, with intraparty disagreements continuing over infrastructure, funding, and appropriate technology guardrails.

Data centers

• MAINE: Gov. Mills vetoes landmark data center ban.

• IOWA: US Energy secretary, visiting Iowa, says data centers will drive energy production.

AI regulation

• FLORIDA: Florida’s ‘AI Bill of Rights’: What happened, what’s in it, and what’s next?

• MISSOURI: Missouri House forges ahead with bill targeting AI deepfakes and youth social media use.

• ARKANSAS: Federal judge blocks reworked Arkansas law restricting minors’ social media.

It’s Friday, April 10, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup.

If you read one thing this week about the state of democracy and what we can do about it, make it Trump Promised Genocide by our Renovator founder Danielle Allen. She argues that we are witnessing a normalization of extreme rhetoric that threatens to dismantle humanitarian protections, and she issues a powerful call to action for each of us. Her piece was a much-needed reminder in the midst of a harrowing week that we, the people, still have the power to change what happens next. But it won’t be an easy road.

This week’s wrap-up reflects that reality, with state news outlets closely tracking the potential for war in Iran, a concerted effort across various legislatures to gain the upper hand in the upcoming 2026 elections, federal meddling in state affairs, and increasing efforts by Republican-led state legislatures to strip power from cities and counties, as Stateline reports this week.

Iran War and Executive Power

The debate over the limits of executive authority has reached a fever pitch following President Trump’s threats to target Iranian civilian infrastructure. As the States’ Newsroom reports, legal experts are grappling with what constitutes an illegal military order and whether U.S. troops could face international prosecution for war crimes if they follow the president’s directives.

• COLORADO: DeGette calls for impeachment following Trump’s latest threats to Iran.

• MONTANA: Montana’s Congressional delegation mostly silent about Trump’s threats, escalation in Iran.

• NORTH CAROLINA: New Polling: Increasingly pessimistic, North Carolinians favor more guardrails on the presidency.

• WISCONSIN: Dem lawmakers to Steil: Trump is ‘not fit to be commander-in-chief’.

Voting Access & Federal Election Interference

At least 11 states are passing laws to block federal agents from polling places and harden their voting systems against federal interference, according to Democracy Docket. Elsewhere, states are making it more difficult to vote.

• OREGON and VIRGINIA: Attorneys general are challenging the president’s executive order limiting mail ballots.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Sec. of State Scanlan on Trump’s order: Feds ‘cannot usurp NH’s express constitutional authority to run elections.’

• NEVADA: Given Trump’s threats, mail votes should be cast early, and NV needs more drop boxes, officials say.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: A new law removes student IDs as valid poll identification.

• LOUISIANA: Effort to protect voting rights in Louisiana law falters.

Voter Privacy & Data Sharing

The Trump administration’s push for sensitive voter data is meeting stiff resistance in the courts. Democracy Docket notes that the DOJ has sued 30 jurisdictions to obtain unredacted voter rolls, a move they argue could allow Trump to “steal” the midterms.

• ALASKA: Why federal efforts to get sensitive voter data face resistance.

• MONTANA: Secretary of State’s Office grilled at Legislative Audit Committee over voter information handed to the DOJ.

• WASHINGTON: Months later, DOJ lawsuit to obtain WA voter rolls can move forward.

• TENNESSEE: Bill requiring citizenship database checks for voter registration heads to governor’s desk.

• UTAH: What to know about Utah’s new voter privacy law and how clerks are responding to concerns.

Immigration Policies & Jurisdiction Fights

Federal immigration enforcement and ongoing arrests are driving intense friction between city, state, and federal governments. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Reformer reports that 35% of arrests during “Operation Metro Surge” were “collateral,” meaning they were not the intended targets. Meanwhile, the Washington State Standard reports increased ICE activity with over 2,100 arrests in five months and a notable increase in detainees without criminal records. Across the country, legislatures vary in their a

pproach to immigration policy and federal interactions.

• OHIO: Immigrant kids can attend school regardless of citizenship. Some states like Ohio are challenging it.

• MARYLAND: ‘No Kings Act’ sails through House, allowing residents to sue federal agents for constitutional violations.

• KANSAS: Governor blocks plan to end in-state tuition for immigrants who graduate from Kansas high schools.

• MAINE: Maine jails could soon be able to refuse federal immigration detainees.

• OREGON: Oregon governor signs slew of bills protecting immigrants amid federal crackdown.

• TENNESSEE: Senate advances bill penalizing Tennessee judges who obstruct ICE.

• TENNESSEE: Tennessee Senate adopts new state immigration crimes.

• WISCONSIN: Evers vetoes GOP bill requiring counties to cooperate with ICE.

• GEORGIA: Kemp to decide fate of bill allowing Georgia property owners to sue over homelessness, immigration.

Health Policies and State Impacts

As the fiscal and administrative implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act materialize, state agencies are in a tough spot, stuck between a mandate to prune their coverage rolls and a growing list of public health challenges.

• WISCONSIN, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KENTUCKY, and VERMONT: States are paying millions to update eligibility systems to adhere to the federal law’s new Medicaid and SNAP restrictions.

• MISSOURI: Plan to put Medicaid work requirements in state Constitution draws public opposition.

• IDAHO, MICHIGAN, OREGON, and UTAH: State health officials are grappling with widespread measles outbreaks, with Utah becoming the national epicenter with 583 cases.

• ALABAMA: Alabama House approves ban on SNAP recipients purchasing some sugary foods.

• MISSOURI: Missouri House votes to bar some lawfully present immigrants from food aid.

• OHIO: As Ohio summer meal programs see increased use, federal cuts make it harder to fight child hunger.

Structural Changes and Election Administration

And lastly, from redistricting fights to primary rules, the structural gears of state elections are still shifting.

• UTAH: Another Utah Senate district topples as signature removals continue, stalling the effort to overturn the state’s anti-gerrymandering law.

• FLORIDA: DeSantis plays down lack of Supreme Court opinion in justifying congressional redistricting effort.

• ALABAMA: On final legislative day, Alabama Senate tensions doom several bills, including a closed primary measure.

• MAINE: Maine Supreme Court says proposed ranked choice voting expansion is unconstitutional.

• NEW JERSEY: New NJ law expands early in-person voting for May municipal races.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Calendar quirk and law change have South Dakota election officials worried about deadlines.

• WEST VIRGINIA: Voter ID and closed GOP primary — changes to note for WV voters in upcoming primary election.

I happened to be in Europe this week, so I joined a coalition of French and American citizens for a No Kings rally at Paris’ Place de la Bastille.

Of course, navigating the European time zone meant I had to go to bed before the President’s Wednesday night address — not knowing whether I would wake up to a U.S. withdrawal from NATO or a ground invasion. Since neither was announced, I could enjoy the day abroad enthusiastically chatting about the successful Artemis II launch and the rare moment of unity it created.

Domestically, Trump also made history this week as the first sitting president to attend Supreme Court oral arguments for the birthright citizenship case alongside his Attorney General Pam Bondi, whom he’s since fired. All of this unfolds as the DHS shutdown becomes the longest partial government closure in U.S. history, with Congress yet to pass a deal, at least as of this writing.

All that to say — It was a week of high highs and low lows, and impacts were felt across every statehouse.

The “No Kings” Movement

From deep-red counties in Florida to the steps of the Iowa Capitol, the third “No Kings” demonstration saw millions of Americans rallying against the administration’s disregard for coequal branches of government.

• IOWA: Thousands rally at Iowa Capitol for third No Kings protest.

• PENNSYLVANIA: No Kings protest in Reading, Pennsylvania brings out opposition to ICE detention facility.

• MAINE: ‘No ICE! No kings! No war!’: Thousands protest Trump across Maine.

• GEORGIA: Macon No Kings event ends abruptly when sheriff tries to address concerns about cooperation with ICE.

• MARYLAND: Thousands turn out — again — as third ‘No Kings’ rallies take over Maryland streets.

• FLORIDA: No Kings marches attract crowds even in conservative areas of Florida.

• NORTH DAKOTA: Protecting voter rights, democracy a theme of Fargo No Kings.

Another Federal Intervention in Elections

A sweeping executive order targeting mail-in ballots and creating a national eligible voter list has drawn swift condemnation from state officials and a flurry of lawsuits.

• NATIONAL: Democrats sue to block Trump’s ‘unlawful’ order targeting mail-in voting.

• MICHIGAN: Michigan elected officials vow to fight Trump’s executive order targeting mail-in ballots.

• NEBRASKA: Trump’s mail voting order won’t affect Nebraska primary election, Evnen says.

• COLORADO: Colorado Democratic leaders push back on Trump executive order on mail-in ballots.

• UTAH: Utah election officials eye Trump vote-by-mail order with uncertainty, concern.

• NEW JERSEY: Civil rights groups, NJ Democrats condemn Trump mail ballot order as ‘power grab’.

Election Administration and Rule Changes

States are navigating a complex landscape of primary reforms and judicial scrutiny. While some are looking to make voting more accessible, others are focused on doing the opposite.

• NORTH DAKOTA: Republican delegates support push to abolish partisan primaries in North Dakota.

• MAINE: Law Court weighs what constitutes a ‘vote,’ other key questions in ranked choice voting hearing.

• ARKANSAS: Federal appeals court upholds injunction of ‘wet signature’ rule for Arkansas voter registration.

• OKLAHOMA: Lawmakers aim to circumvent Oklahoma voters by putting state questions on low turnout election.

• OHIO: Backers urge Ohio lawmakers to require absentee voters mail in a copy of their ID.

• NATIONAL: Pro-voting groups sue to block Florida’s ‘SAVE Act’.

Voter Lists, Privacy and Maintenance

Conflict between the federal government and states over sensitive voter data is intensifying. The Justice Department is suing officials who refuse to provide unredacted voter rolls, while state attorneys general argue that such demands represent a significant expansion of federal power into state domains.

• CALIFORNIA: California sues DOJ over federal overreach in voter list maintenance.

• VIRGINIA: Spanberger order, RNC lawsuit highlight divide over Virginia voter roll maintenance.

• NEBRASKA: Nebraska Supreme Court hears oral arguments in voter data case.

• LOUISIANA: Proposal would require Louisiana to send every voter’s personal info to Homeland Security.

• IDAHO: Trump administration sues Idaho election official to force him to turn over sensitive voter data.

Campaign Finance and Corporate Influence

As billionaire contributions pour into redistricting battles and primary runoffs, some states are pushing for stricter campaign spending laws to limit corporate spending.

• MINNESOTA: Minnesota can change corporate law to forbid campaign spending.

• ARKANSAS: Arkansas secretary of state’s primary runoff dividing Republicans, drawing outside money.

• MONTANA: Montana Supreme Court dismisses constitutionality challenge to ‘The Montana Plan’ initiative, which seeks to limit corporate spending.

• KENTUCKY: KY House backs Senate-overhauled elections bill, including bumping up donation limits and allowing federal agencies data access.

• NATIONAL: Peter Thiel-backed group contributes $2.5 million to oppose Virginia redistricting.

Social Media, AI and Tech Regulations

Some states are issuing directives to implement guardrails against AI-generated misinformation, while other legislatures are retreating from similar regulations due to federal threats to pull broadband funding.

• CALIFORNIA: Newsom orders government to consider AI harm in contract rules.

• COLORADO: Social media companies must respond to search warrants within 72 hours under new Colorado law.

• HAWAII: Teens Are Addicted To Social Media. Hawaiʻi Is Reluctant To Set Limits.

• LOUISIANA: Louisiana scraps some, but not all, AI proposals after Trump threats.

Federal Law Enforcement and Immigration

The Justice Department’s massive shift toward immigration enforcement has led to the dismissal of thousands of criminal investigations, prompting a variety of state responses. While some jurisdictions are launching inquiries into federal conduct, others are engaging in “hostile” legislative takeovers to mandate closer cooperation with ICE.

Push Back & Accountability

• NATIONAL: Trump’s Justice Department dropped 23,000 criminal investigations in shift to immigration.

• OREGON: Half a dozen reports from Oregonians could spur criminal inquiries into feds by AG Rayfield.

• NEW MEXICO: New Mexico Department of Justice urges state Supreme Court to stop Otero County ICE contract.

• MONTANA: Department of Justice sued over withholding law enforcement identities.

• MINNESOTA: More than 3,700 immigrants arrested during Operation Metro Surge, per new data.

• NATIONAL: States say ICE pulled Medicaid data despite court order.

• OHIO: ACLU decries expanding ICE partnerships with Ohio law enforcement.

• TENNESSEE: Nashville journalist released from ICE detention details retaliation claims.

Federal-State Cooperation

• MICHIGAN: Saginaw County village signs cooperation agreement with ICE, the first in Michigan since November.

• IDAHO: Idaho House lawmakers do ‘hostile’ takeover of E-Verify bill to mandate 287(g) agreements.

• TENNESSEE: Tennessee senate advances bill requiring sheriffs to hold ICE detainees for 48 hours.

• IDAHO: Idaho Senate revives effort to mandate 287(g) agreements with federal immigration authorities.

• TENNESSEE: Tennessee Senate adopts non-citizen jobs, benefits bills.

Healthcare, education and social program funding

Federal spending laws are creating significant fiscal hurdles for states, and legislators are scrambling to finalize budgets that prioritize local needs, from kinship care funding to teacher pay raises.

• OHIO: As many as 356,000 Ohioans will lose health coverage under Trump spending law, new reports says.

• KENTUCKY: KY lawmakers increase money for kinship care in final budget.

• VIRGINIA: Planned Parenthood presses Virginia to restore state funding for contraception program.

• IDAHO: Audits find little fraud in Idaho child care providers. But budget panel rejects child care grants.

• ARIZONA: Republicans back plan to force more classroom spending by threatening funding cuts.

• OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma officials announce $12B budget deal.

It’s Saturday, March 28, 2026, and here’s your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup. If you traveled this week, you might have spent some time waiting in airport security lines. The ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding deadlock has caused TSA staffing shortages and ICE officer deployments at airports nationwide. It’s a clear, personal reminder that the battles in Washington affect your daily life, whether you follow the news or not.

This link between everyday life and national news was especially clear this week. The Supreme Court’s conservative majority showed strong doubts about state laws that count mail ballots arriving after Election Day, which could impact hundreds of thousands of votes. Meanwhile, the Justice Department admitted in court that it has been sharing sensitive voter data with the Department of Homeland Security to look for noncitizen voters, despite earlier denying these plans.

Together, these events shaped the week and pushed states to respond in familiar ways: some fought back in court, others quietly complied, and some rushed to pass new restrictions before the midterms.

Election Administration

The national picture shifted considerably this week, with the Supreme Court, the Justice Department, and a California sheriff all taking steps that could reshape how votes are cast and counted in 2026 and beyond.

Voter data and federal overreach

• NATIONAL: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told a conservative conference he didn’t understand why anyone would oppose sending ICE agents to voting sites.

• OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma’s attorney general agreed to give the federal government previously private voter data, while voting rights groups quickly went to court to stop the release.

• UTAH: The League of Women Voters of Utah is trying to join a federal lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from accessing the state’s unredacted voter rolls.

• ARIZONA: A grand jury subpoena from the DOJ requested nearly all records from Arizona’s 2020 legislative election audit, including ballot images.

Court cases

• CALIFORNIA: Voters file suit demanding Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco return more than 650,000 ballots he seized from California’s 2025 redistricting referendum.

• CALIFORNIA: An investigation found that Sheriff Bianco posted that “some people should never be allowed to vote,” which adds new weight to the lawsuit over the seized ballots.

• GEORGIA: A state appeals court sided with Fulton County, overturning an order that would have forced the county to seat two conservative activists on its election board.

• GEORGIA: Fulton County attorneys faced off against the DOJ in federal court over more than 650 boxes of 2020 election records that FBI agents seized and that the county wants returned.

• INDIANA: A special judge lifted an order blocking three Indiana counties from mailing absentee ballots in a Republican primary where Trump has endorsed a challenger to the incumbent.

• NEBRASKA: Nebraska’s Supreme Court ordered Democrat Cindy Burbank restored to the U.S. Senate ballot, ruling the state’s top election official had acted too late to remove her.

• NORTH CAROLINA: A federal judge upheld North Carolina’s voter ID law, finding the state NAACP failed to prove it was an unconstitutional infringement on the right to vote.

• NORTH CAROLINA: A federal judge upheld a 2023 law that lets officials deny voter registrations after just one undeliverable piece of address-verification mail. This marked a second federal win for GOP lawmakers in one week.

• WISCONSIN: Racine County election conspiracy theorist Harry Wait was found guilty of election fraud for requesting absentee ballots on behalf of two elected officials in 2022.

State action

• ALASKA: The Alaska House passed a bipartisan elections overhaul bill that streamlines voting processes and updates voter rolls, a move that bucks national trends toward restrictions.

• IDAHO: The Idaho Senate approved a bill to reinstate a May presidential primary accidentally eliminated in 2023. However, a competing bill may complicate the path forward.

• KANSAS: Kansas Republicans passed a set of election bills that Democrats warned might suppress votes, pushing them through just weeks before the state’s primary.

• KENTUCKY: A Kentucky elections “cleanup” bill grew into broad legislation that raises campaign donation limits and requires county clerks to verify citizenship during voter registration.

• NEW JERSEY: New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill to warn voters that upcoming U.S. Postal Service changes ending same-day postmarking might put mail ballots sent near Election Day at risk.

• OHIO: An Ohio Republican proposed requiring absentee voters to submit a photocopy of their photo ID with their ballot, a move that may have exceeded even the GOP supermajority’s appetite for restriction.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a law requiring proof of citizenship for new voter registrations, mirroring federal SAVE Act requirements.

Redistricting

Gerrymandering made headlines from several angles this week. Citizen-led referendums drew attention in Missouri and Virginia, while efforts to curb gerrymandering in Utah and Maryland faced setbacks.

• MISSOURI: Backers of a referendum challenging Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional map say they have collected the minimum signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot. However, a Cole County judge ruled that submitting referendum signatures is not enough to suspend a state law, so Missouri’s gerrymandered map stays in effect for now.

• VIRGINIA: With four weeks left before Virginia’s redistricting referendum, early voting data shows higher turnout in Republican-leaning areas, a familiar and worrying sign for the “yes” side. However, Virginia Democrats are pushing back on concerns about early GOP turnout advantage.

• MARYLAND: Maryland’s House committee quietly attached redistricting language to a Senate elections bill and sent it to the full chamber for a potential vote. The Maryland Senate leader says it’s a nonstarter.

• UTAH: The GOP-led push to get Utah voters to repeal the state’s 2018 anti-gerrymandering law failed after thousands of petition signers withdrew their names.

Candidates & Campaigns

With filing deadlines closing and primary season accelerating, the political landscape for November is beginning to take shape, and in a few places, it has already delivered some surprises.

• NORTH CAROLINA: After a hand recount confirmed the result, Senate President Phil Berger, one of North Carolina’s most powerful Republicans for 20 years, conceded his primary race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page.

• NORTH CAROLINA: Berger’s loss was one of eight incumbent defeats in the state’s primary, leaving a legislature full of lame ducks whose uncertain futures could change the upcoming short session.

• FLORIDA: Florida Democrats won a state Senate seat and a House seat in special elections, marking their biggest election night in years and an early sign of midterm momentum.

• ARIZONA: More than 260 candidates filed for Arizona state and federal office before Monday’s deadline, setting up a crowded field for 2026.

• ARKANSAS: Voters in six Arkansas legislative districts are heading to runoff elections after no candidate captured a majority in the March 3 primary.

• WISCONSIN: A new Marquette University poll shows 56% of Wisconsin voters disapprove of President Trump, a significant shift in a state both parties are watching closely heading into midterms.

Ballot Initiatives & Constitutional Amendments

From voter ID to Medicaid to property taxes, voters in several states are being asked, or soon will be, to weigh in directly on key issues their legislatures haven’t been able or willing to solve.

• MICHIGAN: Michigan Democrats formally opposed a 2026 ballot measure that would impose strict voter ID rules starting in 2027, calling it voter suppression.

• OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma House lawmakers moved forward a measure asking voters to remove Medicaid expansion from the state Constitution, despite warnings that hundreds of thousands could lose coverage.

• OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma Republicans are pushing to add a voter ID requirement to the state Constitution. Critics call it a political stunt, while supporters say it’s about election security.

• MONTANA: A Montana lawmaker is pitching a constitutional amendment to cap all property taxes, reviving one of the most divisive fights from the 2025 session.

• OREGON: A private equity executive filed many Oregon ballot measures aimed at permanently enshrining a pro-sprawl, anti-tax agenda in the state constitution, reigniting concerns about big money in direct democracy.

ICE & Immigration

Federal immigration enforcement expanded into new areas this week, including weigh stations, airports, and coworking spaces. Meanwhile, states kept dividing into two clear groups: those pushing back and those leaning in.

• MONTANA: On legal advice and facing potential financial penalties, Helena’s City Commission voted to rescind a pro-immigrant resolution it had adopted earlier this year.

• GEORGIA: Armed ICE agents in tactical gear patrolled Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport during a partial government shutdown that caused long delays and a strong federal presence.

• IOWA: Federal court records show ICE agents, with help from the Iowa State Patrol, are using interstate weigh stations to arrest and detain truck drivers suspected of being in the country illegally.

• KANSAS: The Kansas House and Senate reached a deal to repeal in-state college tuition for qualified immigrant students.

• KENTUCKY: A bill creating a 25-foot buffer zone around police and ICE agents is close to passing, despite Democratic objections that it violates the First Amendment.

• MICHIGAN: Two Michigan bills limiting ICE cooperation, including bans on enforcement in schools and churches, moved forward along party lines out of a Senate committee.

• MINNESOTA: The 8th Circuit ruled that the Trump administration can detain immigrants without bond while they await deportation hearings. This decision could mean months of detention for thousands in Minnesota.

• NEBRASKA: Cases in Nebraska showed the legal confusion around ICE detention, including a 21-year-old Salvadoran woman who spent two months detained before a court ordered her release.

• NEW JERSEY: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed three immigration enforcement limitation bills, including a measure restricting police from cooperating with ICE agents.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: South Carolina Republicans pushed a bill requiring over two dozen law enforcement agencies to sign formal cooperation agreements with ICE, despite Democratic objections.

Health & Social Safety Nets

Federal Medicaid work requirements are beginning to bite, and this week made clear that the damage will not be distributed evenly. It will depend almost entirely on where you live.

• NATIONAL: All 41 states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA will have fewer covered residents because of new federal work requirements, but state decisions will shape how big those losses are.

• IDAHO: Idaho’s House passed a bill requiring the state to implement Medicaid work requirements for expansion enrollees by year’s end, with little debate on the floor.

• NEW MEXICO: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez joined a coalition of attorneys general suing the USDA over changes to nutrition programs the coalition calls unconstitutional and unlawful.

• NEW JERSEY: New Jersey nonprofits warn of severe losses under Gov. Sherrill’s $60.7 billion budget proposal, which includes major cuts to family health, HIV/AIDS, and housing programs.

• OHIO: New federal food assistance work requirements could lead to 900 premature deaths in Ohio by 2040, according to a new analysis. Costs could rise even more if administrative expenses increase.

Schools & Education

• NORTH DAKOTA: A new analysis warns that quiet, informal book removals are restricting access to classic titles in North Dakota libraries, a chilling effect on free expression that gets less attention than formal challenges.

• OKLAHOMA: After a year of controversy, Oklahoma’s State Board of Education approved a more neutral set of social studies standards for K-12 schools and sent them to the legislature for final review.

• NEBRASKA: Nebraska’s main budget bill failed for the second time in a row as lawmakers remain deadlocked over whether to include controversial private school voucher funding.

It’s Friday, March 20, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup. As a new election cycle unfolds, friction between federal mandates and state authority continues to shape American democracy. Pro-voting litigation has dropped to 38% of total cases, while the Department of Justice is increasing lawsuits for access to voter registration rolls. Federal involvement is intensifying even as some state legislatures seek to limit direct voter input by attacking citizen-led ballot measures.

This week, reports surfaced of a possible emergency executive order that would ban mail-in ballots and voting machines, a move critics call a direct threat to constitutional norms. Uncertainty around the scope of federal investigations into non-citizen voting persists, as FBI Director Kash Patel could not confirm how many probes are underway. Meanwhile, the SAVE America Act looms as a significant threat to established voting procedures, adding to the urgency around evolving access and representation.

Voting Access and Election Administration

While federal officials debate broad mandates, state lawmakers and courts are making detailed decisions that will define the 2026 cycle. From massive roll purges to bans on voting technology, the push for more restrictive election environments is accelerating in key capitals.

• ARIZONA: A federal appeals court dismissed a Republican-led effort to purge 1.27 million names from the state’s voter rolls based on hypothetical harm.

• MINNESOTA: A Department of Homeland Security official focused on election security is calling for a total ban on voting machines to increase public confidence.

• MONTANA: The Secretary of State announced that federal records confirmed 23 non-citizens were present on the state’s voter registration lists.

• GEORGIA: The State Election Board wants to replace voting machines and eliminate QR codes from ballots before the 2028 election.

• ALABAMA: House lawmakers advanced a bill to close primary elections to only registered party members despite significant pushback.

• INDIANA: A judge ordered several counties to sequester absentee ballots for the state’s Senate primary pending further legal review.

• OKLAHOMA: The House advanced legislation that would remove voters from the registration rolls if they do not select a party affiliation.

• MICHIGAN: A GOP-sponsored bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration moved forward despite concerns about potential disenfranchisement.

• KENTUCKY: Louisville officials are seeking to block the state from transferring sensitive voter data to federal authorities.

• LOUISIANA: Lawmakers advanced a bill to remove future Board of Elementary and Secondary Education elections from the state’s closed primary system.

• NATIONAL: Pro-democracy advocates warn that citizen-led ballot measures are increasingly under attack by state legislatures seeking to limit direct voter input.

Government Transparency and Power

The tension between executive authority and the public’s right to know is intensifying as several states consider expanding their Attorneys General’s powers. At the same time, local officials are facing growing demands for open records and increased accountability.

• COLORADO: A “right to know” measure is headed to the ballot alongside a requirement for agencies to disclose ICE subpoenas sent to state agencies.

• KANSAS: University students are protesting a Senate bill they say unconstitutionally restricts their First Amendment right to demonstrate.

• OREGON: Journalists and publishers are calling for a veto of a bill they claim would severely limit public access to government meetings.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Lawmakers are considering updates to the state’s Right-to-Know law to address evolving standards in government transparency and digital records.

• MARYLAND: The “No Kings Act” cleared a key committee, moving closer to a full Senate vote on limiting executive immunity.

• IDAHO: House members are considering legislation that would allow the Attorney General to disqualify local officials for state law violations.

• KANSAS: The Senate passed a measure granting the Attorney General veto authority over local lawsuits he deems unfavorable.

• MICHIGAN: Grand Rapids officials are facing intense scrutiny over lengthy FOIA delays following a recent police shooting.

Social Media and Tech Guardrails

From AI in classrooms to criminal charges for prediction markets, states are moving quickly to regulate technology companies that influence modern civic life. These efforts reflect a growing consensus that state-level guardrails are necessary without federal action.

• MINNESOTA: Governor Tim Walz proposed a new tax on social media companies to help fund human services programs and close budget gaps.

• IOWA and ARIZONA: State officials are taking legal action against prediction-market company Kalshi, with Arizona filing unprecedented criminal charges.

• PENNSYLVANIA: The Senate passed a bill aimed at regulating the use of AI chatbots by children and teenagers to ensure digital safety.

• UTAH: Schools are implementing new restrictions on AI and student-issued laptops to mitigate digital distractions and privacy risks.

• KANSAS: State banking officials are asking lawmakers to hold social media and phone companies liable for financial fraud occurring on their platforms.

• NEVADA: Legislators are struggling to balance AI regulations in schools without hindering educational technology and innovation.

• OHIO: Lawmakers are moving to restrict online gaming platforms following a death in the state linked to the service.

Immigration Enforcement and Pushback

The national split over immigration policy is manifesting locally, as Florida sheriffs distance themselves from the mass deportation plans while experts warn that enforcement surges are threatening housing security and local economies.

Enforcement Powers

• WASHINGTON: A new law bans police officers from wearing face masks while performing their official duties.

• KANSAS: The Senate is advancing bills to protect law enforcement working with ICE and expand federal agency enforcement powers.

• IDAHO: House members passed a bill requiring immigration status on arrest reports, while a Senate committee rejected mandatory ICE contracts.

• ALABAMA: The House passed a measure allowing local police to enforce federal immigration laws.

Community Impact

• MAINE: Immigrants in the state face significant hurdles in securing asylum after being released from detention.

• MASSACHUSETTS: New data suggests that increased immigration enforcement is contributing to a decline in public school enrollment.

Detention Centers

• UTAH: Hundreds are protesting a federal deal to convert a Salt Lake warehouse into an ICE detention center.

• MARYLAND: A judge extended an order blocking ICE from continuing work on a detention center in Washington County.

• KANSAS: Critics are decrying the addition of a new ICE detention facility in Leavenworth as a “failure of moral leadership.”

• MICHIGAN: A local coalition is gaining momentum in its fight to block a proposed ICE detention center in Romulus.

• INDIANA: Federal payments to the state for housing ICE detainees have more than tripled in the latest budget cycle.

• KENTUCKY: A new analysis found that more than 1,000 people are currently being held in county jails by ICE.

• GEORGIA: A small town blocked a massive immigration center due to concerns about local water and sewer capacity.

Candidate and Campaigns

The 2026 ballot is beginning to take shape as filing deadlines pass in several states. With court-ordered maps and high-profile vacancies, these early contests are already testing the resilience of state election systems as primary season approaches.

• NORTH CAROLINA: Recounts continue in a close race amid claims of voter intimidation and ballot errors.

• VIRGINIA: Senator Mark Warner officially launched his fourth term bid after a statewide tour focused on his record of economic results.

• IOWA: Officials finalized the primary candidate list as analysts examine the impact of state finances on the 2026 cycle.

• MAINE: Election officials finalized the list of candidates for the June primary as the state enters a major election season.

• LOUISIANA: Special elections were held this week to fill key legislative vacancies in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

• NEBRASKA: A Democratic Senate candidate was removed from the ballot by election officials for failing to meet eligibility requirements.

• NEVADA: The candidate filing period closed with a surge of contenders for congressional seats and local offices.

• UTAH: Over 40 candidates filed for the state’s four congressional seats under a new, court-ordered district map.

• INDIANA: Republican primary ads were launched supporting calls for redistricting changes following recent national political shifts.

• COLORADO: A judge is reviewing the eligibility of Democratic candidates seeking to challenge Representative Lauren Boebert this November.

• GEORGIA: High-profile retirements and gas tax debates are shaping the early stages of the state’s gubernatorial race.

• OKLAHOMA: Candidates for state and local offices are scheduled to begin the formal filing process next month.

• FLORIDA: Long-awaited legislative elections are finally scheduled to take place in three Florida counties next Tuesday.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: The filing period for the June primary opened Monday, drawing dozens of candidates for state and federal offices.

In Case You Missed It …

• “Noem’s Firing Shows Public Pressure on Congress Can Work,” By Maria McFarland Sánchez-Moreno, March 19, 2026

• “How to Make the Loyal Opposition Real,” By Danielle Allen, March 17, 2026

• “Civic Education News Roundup: Looking back at Civic Learning Week, and forward to the future,” By Joanna Kenty, March 16, 2026

• “Civic Learning Week National Forum: Reflections on Green Shoots,” By Joanna Kenty, March 15, 2026

It’s Saturday, March 14, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup. This week, we’re (mostly) covering escalating battles over election administration and voting rights.

Across the country, debates rage over ballot access, signature-gathering for initiatives, and controversial changes to primary systems, while courts weigh in on ex-felon voting rights and redistricting battles. At the same time, the administration is pushing to “nationalize” election rules, focusing on proof-of-citizenship requirements and increased ID verification, which could create hurdles for overseas voters.

All of this comes as new polling shows threats to democracy” rivaling inflation as a top concern for voters, underscoring just how high the stakes have become.

Before we jump in, here’s a bright spot — a creative solution to address poll worker shortages is emerging in Idaho, where lawmakers are eyeing jury pools as a new recruitment source.

Federal ballot seizures, investigations, and threats

• NATIONAL: The DOJ, which has sued 29 states for refusing to hand over unredacted voter rolls, is linking the data demand to election security in ways that critics say could undermine trust in the 2026 midterm results.

• ARIZONA: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) opened a probe into the 2020 results, while the state Senate received a grand jury subpoena regarding its 2021 partisan election “audit”.

• GEORGIA: U.S. Senators are calling for an Inspector General probe into the FBI’s seizure of 2020 records in Fulton County , alleging the raid was politically motivated.

• WISCONSIN: Gov. Tony Evers will resist any attempts by federal agents to seize Milwaukee ballots , citing concerns that documents could reveal how individuals voted.

• OHIO: Secretary of State Frank LaRose shared private data for 8 million voters with the DOJ.

• MAINE: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and officials from eight other states are demanding written assurances that ICE agents will not be deployed to polling locations.

• NATIONAL: The Democratic National Committee sued federal agencies to release records relating to potential plans to deploy troops or armed agents to the polls during the 2026 midterms.

Voter eligibility and access challenges

• FLORIDA: Lawmakers approved a state version of the SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship for new registrants and banning student IDs at the polls.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: A new law authorizes voters and election officials to challenge the citizenship of other registered voters based on “documented evidence”.

• INDIANA: The Attorney General is defending a ban on student IDs in court, arguing that “voter motivation” is the decisive factor in participation.

• NORTH CAROLINA: The State Board of Elections stopped bulk distribution of voter registration forms, a move critics say disenfranchises those without DMV IDs or internet access.

• VIRGINIA: A federal court reaffirmed that Virginia cannot automatically disenfranchise all ex-felons.

Ballot initiatives and direct democracy

• ARIZONA: The Senate passed a bill requiring paid circulators to follow a specific script and wear badges, which critics call an attempt to weaken the process.

• UTAH: Legislative leaders are eyeing a special session to pass an amendment allowing them to alter or repeal voter-approved laws.

• MASSACHUSETTS: The Senate asked the state’s highest court for an advisory opinion on whether ballot questions regarding public records and stipends are unconstitutional.

• MONTANA: A statutory initiative to prohibit corporate political spending was cleared for signature gathering after a constitutional version was rejected on legal grounds.

System shifts and rule changes

• ALABAMA: A House committee is considering closing state primaries, while another bill aims to end straight-ticket voting despite opposition from party leadership.

• IDAHO: The House passed a bill to restore the presidential primary election.

• KENTUCKY: Bipartisan bills would allow political parties to open their primaries to independent voters, aimed at pulling candidates toward the middle.

• LOUISIANA: Lawmakers proposed exempting school board seats from new closed primary rules.

• MAINE: The Attorney General broke with Democratic leaders to oppose the expansion of ranked-choice voting.

• OREGON: Sen. Ron Wyden warned that USPS changes to mail collection and postmarking could disenfranchise voters relying on timely mail-in delivery.

Rights, oversight, and power

• FLORIDA: The House approved a ban on local DEI initiatives, while the Attorney General threatened to remove Tampa’s mayor over an immigration enforcement dispute.

• IOWA: Senators passed a bill preventing local governments from granting broader civil rights protections than state law, specifically targeting transgender rights.

• TENNESSEE: A Nashville journalist arrested by ICE filed a lawsuit alleging the agency retaliated against her for critical reporting on enforcement activities.

• ARIZONA: Republicans advanced a bill lowering the legal bar for politicians to sue critics for defamation, which experts say violates First Amendment law.

• KENTUCKY: The House passed a bill allowing public agencies to require photo IDs for open records requests to verify residency.

Redistricting and representation

• MISSOURI: A judge upheld a Republican-drawn congressional map that splits Kansas City, finding it met constitutional requirements for compactness.

• VIRGINIA: Democrats are focusing on redistricting as early voting begins.

• INDIANA: Trump allies are funding a $5 million “retribution campaign” against Republican state senators who voted down the administration’s preferred redistricting plan.

Budget troubles and session drama

• ALASKA: The House postponed a vote on a supplemental budget bill after failing to secure enough votes to draw from state savings.

• FLORIDA: The regular session ended without a budget due to ‘dysfunction between chambers’.

• GEORGIA: The House approved a $38.5 billion budget with significant funding for literacy coaches and pay supplements for teachers.

• IDAHO: A new report shows the state facing a $44.1 million deficit.

• MAINE: Gov. Janet Mills proposed new spending to address federal shortfalls, despite forecasters predicting a bleaker long-term fiscal forecast.

• MARYLAND: Revenue projections improved due to estate taxes, but officials warned of $13 billion in looming shortfalls over the next four years.

• NEBRASKA: Lawmakers are moving toward closing a $646 million deficit through spending cuts and transfers from the state’s rainy day fund.

• NEW MEXICO: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an $11.1 billion budget that includes historic investments in universal child care and housing.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: The House passed a $15.4 billion spending plan alongside income tax cuts that critics say will actually increase taxes for many.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Lawmakers adopted a $7.5 billion budget that includes 1.4% funding increases for education, health care, and state employees.

• VIRGINIA: A dispute over whether to end a massive tax break for the data-center industry is threatening to delay the state budget.

• WASHINGTON: The session ended with the passage of a $79.4 billion operating plan and a new tax on household income over $1 million.

It’s Friday, March 6, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup. I’m writing to you as spring arrives, though the mood in capitols around the country remains decidedly chilly.

As the war in Iran intensifies and the White House undergoes a sudden leadership shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security, state governments are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines of national policy disputes. This week, a coalition of more than 20 states filed suit to block the administration’s 15% global tariff, even as local legislatures move to insulate their own election systems and social safety nets from federal shifts.

Election Control and Voter Data

The machinery of our elections remains the subject of tension as state officials navigate a complicated relationship with federal investigators. From lawsuits over records to new rules on who can help people register, efforts to manage election infrastructure are growing more complex and contentious.

Voter data and federal pressure

• MICHIGAN: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a twice-dismissed lawsuit that sought to force the state to purge its registration lists of ineligible voters.

• IDAHO: Secretary of State Phil McGrane announced Idaho will not comply with a federal request for sensitive voter information, citing concerns over privacy and federal overreach.

• WEST VIRGINIA: The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit alleging the state failed to provide voting records requested under the National Voter Registration Act.

• ALASKA: Top state officials refused to provide legislators with the legal justification for handing over private voter data to federal authorities.

• NEW MEXICO: Senator Martin Heinrich and election officials met to reassure the public that state voting systems are protected from unauthorized federal interference.

Access to registration and ballot rules

• NORTH CAROLINA: The state board of elections decided to stop providing physical forms to voter registration drives, shifting the burden of printing costs to the organizations.

• UTAH: Lawmakers are again weighing a proposal that would require voters to present photo identification in person when returning by-mail ballots.

• OKLAHOMA: House lawmakers advanced a resolution aimed at preserving the current primary system, which appears to conflict with a potential citizen-led open primaries initiative.

Immigration Enforcement and State Responses

The expansion of federal immigration detention is meeting significant friction at the local level. While some jurisdictions are exploring massive new detention projects, others are demanding transparency or moving to strictly limit cooperation with federal agents.

• FLORIDA: State officials provided conflicting cost estimates for proposed detention facilities known as “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Deportation Depot”.

• IOWA: Muscatine County officials now claim that federal law prohibits them from disclosing the details of their financial contract with ICE for housing detainees.

• COLORADO: A new report documents firsthand accounts of medical neglect and poor living conditions inside the Aurora ICE processing center.

• MICHIGAN: Attorney General Dana Nessel filed records requests seeking details on a proposed federal detention site in Romulus.

• MICHIGAN: Attorney General Nessel joined both U.S. senators in demanding that ICE halt plans for the Romulus detention facility.

• MAINE: Legislators are considering changes to state law following public backlash over the use of local jails to hold federal immigration detainees.

• MINNESOTA: Dozens of protesters face charges following a demonstration at a church led by a high-ranking ICE official.

• MULTI-STATE: Local police departments are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate cooperation requests as federal immigration enforcement efforts expand into new jurisdictions.

Budget Priorities and Governing Capacity

Fiscal pressures are reshaping state capacity and testing the endurance of core institutions. Gaps in federal support are forcing legislatures to make difficult choices about staffing and the survival of essential services.

• NEBRASKA: Lawmakers advanced budget adjustments that still leave the state facing a $125 million deficit.

• OREGON: Legislators warned that many state agency positions must go unfilled to balance the state’s budget.

• ARKANSAS: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders proposed a 3% increase in the state budget focused on education and public safety.

• UTAH: State leaders released their budget priorities for the 2026 fiscal year, emphasizing water infrastructure and housing affordability.

• IDAHO: The state budget committee rejected funding intended to help agencies comply with certain federal initiatives.

SNAP Restrictions and the Safety Net Squeeze

The social safety net is under pressure from both fiscal shortfalls and new policy restrictions. States are increasingly taking independent action to redefine eligibility for food assistance and health coverage.

Changing SNAP benefits

• ALABAMA: The state Senate passed legislation that would prohibit SNAP recipients from using benefits to purchase soda and candy.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden signed a bill requiring the state to seek a federal waiver to remove sugary drinks and candy from SNAP.

• KANSAS: Residents receiving food assistance will be barred from purchasing candy and soda with benefits starting in February 2027.

• LOUISIANA: State health officials clarified the implementation of new SNAP benefit restrictions during a public Q&A session.

• WEST VIRGINIA: Legislative leaders and the governor declined to fund an emergency reserve for food banks, citing existing available resources.

The broader safety-net squeeze

• MISSOURI: Lawmakers are evaluating a $294 million cost estimate to implement and carry out new federal Medicaid rules.

• MULTI-STATE: Several states are exploring “public option” insurance plans through Obamacare to reduce coverage costs for residents.

• MAINE: Thousands of residents have lost health insurance coverage as premiums skyrocketed following federal policy shifts.

Redistricting and Representation

Power struggles over political representation are playing out in statehouses and courts, with redistricting referendums and lawsuits over ballot language shaping who gets a voice. These conflicts are directly influencing the legal frameworks and electoral rules for 2026 and beyond.

Redistricting is back on the agenda

• VIRGINIA: Early voting began for a redistricting referendum following a state Supreme Court ruling that allowed the vote to proceed.

• VIRGINIA: A Supreme Court ruling clearing the way for the redistricting vote was praised by national and state leaders as a win for fair maps.

• FLORIDA: Governor Ron DeSantis suggested that new congressional maps may be delayed pending an upcoming ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.

• WISCONSIN: Governor Tony Evers called a special session of the legislature to consider a constitutional amendment that would ban partisan gerrymandering.

Initiative power and constitutional change

• MISSOURI: A judge ordered revisions to the summary language for a ballot proposal that would make it harder to amend the state constitution.

• MONTANA: The state Supreme Court reversed a decision by the attorney general, allowing a ballot measure protecting initiative rights to proceed.

It’s February 27, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup.

The friction between federal mandates and state sovereignty is reaching a fever pitch. As the Trump administration ramps up its mass deportation campaign and continues to squeeze federal funding, state leaders are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of federal litigation and executive orders. Two major developments in Minnesota highlight this tension: the administration has officially halted $259 million in Medicaid funding as a “corrective action” for alleged fraud, while a federal chief judge is threatening to hold ICE officials in criminal contempt for repeatedly flouting court orders regarding detained immigrants. In the pages ahead, we’ll look at the burgeoning political fallout of the data center boom and new “guardrails” being built around AI in healthcare. We will also examine a nationwide legal standoff over the privacy of voter registration data and the increasingly organized resistance to ICE’s expansion.

The Infrastructure of Oversight

The rapid growth of data centers has become a governance challenge. States nationwide are struggling with their substantial energy and water demands, as lawmakers question whether the economic benefits justify the strain on local infrastructure and utility rates.

Data Centers and the Grid

• IDAHO: Farmers are seeing electric bills spike by 45% as massive tech projects, including a new Meta facility, consume up to two-thirds of the state’s current generation capacity.

• LOUISIANA: Gov. Jeff Landry unveiled a $12 billion Amazon project, promising it won’t raise rates, even as New Orleans maintains a moratorium on new centers due to zoning and resource concerns.

• MAINE: State legislators are considering a moratorium on data centers above 20 megawatts until 2028 to evaluate the impact on an aging regional grid and high electricity prices.

• MICHIGAN: A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a temporary moratorium on building data centers , though Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has threatened to veto any legislation that prevents economic growth.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Two data center incentive bills failed during a chaotic session after a Republican opponent went missing from the chamber, preventing a tie-breaking vote by the lieutenant governor.

The Battle Over Tax Breaks

• GEORGIA: Legislation ensuring data centers pay for their own infrastructure stalled in the Senate after a last-minute push to adopt industry-preferred language led to an abrupt adjournment.

• VIRGINIA: The Senate advanced a budget that would repeal a $1.6 billion annual sales tax exemption for data centers , despite warnings from electrical unions that the move could curb development.

• ARIZONA, GEORGIA, and MARYLAND: Lawmakers are moving to repeal or limit industry incentives as public sentiment sours over rising residential energy costs.

AI and Platform Governance

As artificial intelligence expands from labs to therapy, states are establishing guardrails. The focus has shifted from broad innovation to addressing specific harms, especially in mental health and identity protection.

Safety and Identity

• FLORIDA: The Senate unanimously passed a bill requiring AI companies to disclose development plans , while a companion House bill seeks to ban centers near schools and residential areas.

• KENTUCKY: The House advanced a bill prohibiting AI from making independent therapeutic decisions or generating treatment plans without a licensed professional’s review.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Lawmakers are weighing legislation to bar AI chatbots from providing counseling unless under the direction of a human therapist to prevent “masquerading” counselors.

• UTAH: The state is advancing bills to regulate “companion chatbots” and require consent for AI-generated intimate images , even as the White House attempts to block broader safety plan requirements.

The Data of Democracy

The federal government’s demand for unredacted voter rolls continues to stir states’ rights debates. Secretaries of State from both parties oppose what they view as unconstitutional federal overreach, threatening voter privacy.

Registration and Voter Data

• ARIZONA: Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is resisting a DOJ lawsuit for voter data , citing the Privacy Act of 1974 and expressing skepticism over federal guarantees.

• COLORADO: Secretary of State Jena Griswold stated the Trump administration has “lost credibility” after a nationwide FBI call that she claims failed to acknowledge states’ constitutional role in running elections.

• KENTUCKY: Secretary of State Michael Adams vowed not to “voluntarily commit a data breach” of sensitive voter information as the DOJ sues the state for full registration lists.

• MISSOURI: A bill to publish the full list of 4.5 million registered voters online faced bipartisan backlash over privacy concerns, which the sponsor claimed was a drafting error.

• OKLAHOMA: The DOJ sued the state election board for unredacted records, despite state law explicitly prohibiting the release of Social Security and driver’s license numbers.

• UTAH: Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson is fighting a federal lawsuit for voter rolls , arguing that more than 99.9% of the state’s registered voters are already confirmed citizens.

• WEST VIRGINIA: The Secretary of State’s office has twice refused federal requests for sensitive voter ID data, citing its responsibility to safeguard information from unauthorized disclosure.

Election Administration and Rules

• IDAHO: A bill advanced to the Senate that would require poll workers to verify the birth dates and ID numbers of voters using affidavits before issuing a ballot.

• KANSAS: The House passed a series of bills to end mail-only elections , shrink advanced voting windows , and require driver’s licenses to indicate citizenship status.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Secretary of State David Scanlan testified in a federal trial over the state’s strict new proof-of-citizenship law, which plaintiffs argue will unfairly disenfranchise eligible voters.

• NORTH CAROLINA: Ethics concerns are mounting after top election administrators were seen attending partisan fundraisers and appearing in campaign videos for state and federal candidates.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Advocacy groups are urging counties to adopt “notice and cure” policies to prevent minor clerical errors from disqualifying mail-in ballots ahead of the midterm elections.

Courts and the Rule of Law

The judiciary is increasingly the primary arena for testing limits on executive power, from the legality of mass tariffs to court structure.

Judicial Power and Redistricting

• KANSAS: An appeals court panel expressed skepticism over whether the state’s 125-year-old ban on “fusion voting” is a matter for the courts or the legislature.

• MARYLAND: A controversial redistricting bill to eliminate the state’s last Republican-leaning district is “mostly dead” in the Senate Rules Committee after missing key filing deadlines.

• UTAH: A federal panel affirmed the power of a state judge to set new congressional boundaries after determining the legislature’s original map was unconstitutionally gerrymandered.

Legal Challenges To Tariffs

• MONTANA: Tribal members suing over Canadian tariffs argue a recent Supreme Court ruling helps their case by clarifying that the executive branch cannot impose tariffs on tribal commerce.

• OHIO: Small businesses are demanding an automatic refund process after the Supreme Court ruled that double-digit import taxes imposed by the administration were unlawful.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Despite the court’s ruling against tariffs, businesses face ongoing uncertainty as the administration vows to find new legal avenues to maintain tariffs.

The Immigration Crackdown

Tensions are rising as the federal government bypasses local authorities to acquire property for new detention centers. Resistance to ICE’s expansion, including arson attempts and lawsuits, is becoming more organized and confrontational.

Detention and Enforcement

• ARIZONA: An arsonist targeted a new ICE warehouse in Surprise, days after 1,000 residents protested the conversion of the site into a 1,500-bed detention facility.

• GEORGIA: Small towns like Social Circle are pushing back against plans for “mega” detention centers that would house up to 10,000 people, citing insufficient local water and sewage infrastructure.

• MARYLAND: Attorney General Anthony Brown sued to block a 1,500-person detention center, alleging federal officials violated environmental laws by purchasing the warehouse without public notice.

• NEW JERSEY: The federal government is suing the state over an executive order that bars immigration agents from entering certain state buildings or using state property without a judicial warrant.

• PENNSYLVANIA: Gov. Josh Shapiro vowed to use his legal and regulatory power to block two new detention centers , stating the facilities were sited in secret without local input.

• WASHINGTON: Lawmakers are moving to fine private detention operators up to $15,000 per day if they continue to deny state health inspectors access to their facilities.

State-Level Restrictions

• INDIANA: The Senate passed legislation creating a new National Guard “military police force” that the governor can deploy statewide with standard police powers of arrest.

• INDIANA: A separate bill mandating local cooperation with federal immigration detainers and punishing businesses that employ unauthorized workers is headed to the governor’s desk.

• IOWA: The Senate passed bills requiring the state to verify the citizenship status of all registered voters, state employees, and commercial driver’s license applicants.

Rights and Power

Beyond immigration, states are asserting control over individual liberties and local governance, often using preemption laws that reduce the authority of cities and counties.

Privacy and Identity

• ARIZONA: Republicans approved a ballot referral that would ban transgender students from using bathrooms consistent with their gender identity and prohibit teachers from using preferred pronouns.

• COLORADO: A bipartisan bill passed a Senate committee that would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant to search license plate reader databases for crimes older than three days.

• FLORIDA: The state approved $40 million in grants for local police to purchase AI surveillance tools, including iris biometric systems and mobile surveillance towers.

• KANSAS: Two transgender men sued to block a new law that restricts bathroom usage and invalidates driver’s licenses that don’t match sex assigned at birth.

Governance and Civil Liberties

• IDAHO: A bill that would allow the attorney general to freeze local government funding based on a suspected violation of state law was stalled following local opposition.

• INDIANA: A statewide ban on “public camping” passed the legislature, establishing criminal penalties for homelessness despite concerns over a lack of available shelter beds.

• IOWA: A federal judge ruled that the city of Newton engaged in “quintessential viewpoint discrimination” by arresting a citizen for criticizing the police department during a public meeting.

• MISSOURI: A judge ordered the removal of “ballot candy” language from a constitutional amendment that would make it significantly harder for citizen-led initiatives to pass.

It’s Friday, February 20, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup. I’m writing to you as the sun sets on a week defined by significant legal shifts, a murky financial picture, and a high-stakes return to legislative business.

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Legislature returned to a Capitol now guarded by metal detectors, a somber start following the politically motivated assassinations of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband last summer. While lawmakers honored their memory, they also faced the chaotic fallout of Operation Metro Surge, which drew thousands of federal agents to the state, sparking widespread legal challenges and community resistance. Meanwhile, states across the country are continuing to discuss legislation and organize communities in anticipation of new ICE surges, which are just one of the conflicts between state and federal policies.

Today’s Supreme Court ruling on federal tariffs and trade deals is likely a hot topic in state capitals, where budget committees are in the middle of a tough fiscal year. In Virginia, reports show that higher living costs are hitting residents hard as they bear most of the tariff costs. In Wisconsin, officials warn that unpredictable trade wars are pushing up prices for essentials like school supplies and groceries, making planning even harder.

Taxes, Budgets & Federal Funding

Budget battles are heating up as federal funding remains inconsistent and states weigh the fiscal costs of complying with federal tax law. From property tax phase-outs to millionaires’ taxes, capitals are debating how much more citizens can or should pay for core services.

• IDAHO: Budget committee chairs defended permanent 5% across-the-board cuts despite warnings they could cripple state agencies, fire prevention, and mental health courts.

• WASHINGTON: The Senate approved a 9.9% tax on personal income over $1 million to fund public defense and small business tax relief.

• FLORIDA: The House passed a joint resolution for a constitutional amendment that would completely end non-school property taxes for homesteaded properties.

• COLORADO: Democrats proposed decoupling the state tax code from federal business breaks to fund a new child tax credit for working families.

• WEST VIRGINIA: House leaders unveiled a budget without the Governor’s proposed personal income tax cut, opting instead to prioritize Medicaid and education funding.

• MAINE: The Governor proposed a supplemental budget to fill a $275 million gap driven largely by federal Medicaid and SNAP funding shifts.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: A proposal to let counties levy a sales tax for property tax relief advanced while a permanent state sales tax reduction failed.

• DELAWARE: Reports highlight state spending has skyrocketed by 53% since 2020 while population only grew 7.6%, driven by rising healthcare and education costs.

Immigration

A wave of state-level resistance is forming against aggressive federal immigration enforcement, with several capitals moving to shield residents and “sensitive locations” from federal agents. At the same time, some states are moving to penalize those who obstruct federal operations.

• ARIZONA: Republicans advanced a bill to criminalize “unlawful alerting” of federal agents, a move activists say targets free speech and neighborhood defense.

• MARYLAND: Governor Wes Moore signed emergency legislation banning local police from participating in federal 287(g) immigration enforcement agreements.

• NEW JERSEY: A trio of bills advanced to codify the Immigrant Trust Directive and restrict law enforcement from wearing masks during routine duties.

• MINNESOTA: The FBI formally notified state officials it will not grant access to evidence from the investigation into the federal killing of Alex Pretti.

• OREGON: Democrats are pushing an “immigrant justice package” of 13 bills, including data privacy protections and guidelines for federal agents in hospitals.

• OKLAHOMA: Governor Kevin Stitt celebrated the suspension of 122 students who participated in a walkout against federal immigration enforcement tactics.

• MICHIGAN: Elected officials and community advocates held a press conference calling for a halt to planned ICE expansions, including a new Romulus detention center.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Blueprints for a “Detention Reengineering Initiative” show plans to convert a Merrimack warehouse into a regional processing site for hundreds of detainees.

• TENNESSEE: House panels expedited bills to punish local governments that refuse to participate in 287(g) programs and require student documentation headcounts.

Schools, Childcare & Funding

Ideological battles over the future of public education are intensifying as legislatures debate voucher expansion and “culture war” curriculum changes.

• KENTUCKY: The state Supreme Court unanimously struck down a 2022 charter school law as unconstitutional for failing to provide an “efficient system of common schools”.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: Senators grilled the state superintendent for allowing taxpayer-funded scholarships to go toward homeschooling despite explicit legislative exclusions in the law.

• OHIO: A lawmaker backtracked on a proposal to withhold funding from school districts suing over vouchers, after mass backlash from educators and attorneys.

• ALABAMA: The Senate passed a bill requiring “sexual risk avoidance” education, prioritizing abstinence and prohibiting instruction on obtaining abortions or contraceptives.

• TENNESSEE: The House passed legislation allowing schools to display the Ten Commandments alongside historical documents like the U.S. Constitution.

• MISSISSIPPI: A new House bill would double the cap on taxpayer-funded tax credits for donations to private schools, despite opposition from public school advocates.

• NEW MEXICO: A committee advanced a bill for universal childcare that would require co-payments from high-earning families under certain economic conditions.

• MASSACHUSETTS: Childcare providers warned the Governor’s universal pre-K goal for 26 cities by the year’s end is a “pipe dream” due to staffing shortages.

• IOWA: House Republicans passed a 2% per-pupil funding increase, which Democrats criticized as “forced austerity” that fails to keep pace with inflation.

• MICHIGAN: The DOJ opened an investigation into three districts for including “gender ideology” in their curricula and policies on intimate single-sex spaces.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: The Senate backed a statewide ban on student cellphone use during the school day to improve mental health and academic performance.

Elections & Voting

Voter access and intimidation have become a primary flashpoint as states move to either shield their election procedures from federal interference or align more closely with the Administration’s view.

Voting Processes

• ARIZONA: A Republican plan to require ICE agents at every polling place sparked widespread fears of voter intimidation in communities with large minority populations.

• OHIO: Voting rights groups sued the Secretary of State over a law that allows registration cancellations without notice during the 90-day “quiet period” before elections.

• OKLAHOMA: The State Election Board refused a DOJ demand for protected voter data like Social Security numbers, sparking support from local groups.

• FLORIDA: A bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote advanced, despite concerns it could disenfranchise out-of-state college students.

• NEW MEXICO: The House passed a law aiming to prevent federal troops or law enforcement from interfering in the state’s elections and obstructing polling place access.

• ALABAMA: The Senate unanimously passed a bill to streamline the process for formerly incarcerated residents to have their voting rights restored.

• KENTUCKY: A committee backed a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to people who have completed sentences for many nonviolent felony convictions.

Redistricting

• VIRGINIA: A judge blocked an April redistricting referendum after Republicans argued Democrats “cut procedural and legal corners” to fast-track a new map.

• UTAH: An effort to repeal the state’s anti-gerrymandering law hit a major milestone, submitting over 200,000 signatures to potentially reach the November ballot.

• COLORADO: A Democratic group launched a ballot initiative for a temporary congressional map in response to “election-rigging” efforts in Republican-led states.

• MISSOURI: A judge ruled the Governor had the authority to call a special session that resulted in a gerrymandered congressional map favoring Republicans.

• MARYLAND: U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries visited Annapolis to push for a redistricting bill that has been stalled in committee purgatory.

Legislative Walkouts And Rhetoric

Procedural drama and inflammatory campaign rhetoric have come to the forefront this week, with parties using walkouts and long-bill readings to stall agendas.

• OREGON: Senate Republicans staged a brief walkout to protest the rescheduling of a transportation tax referendum, nearly running out the clock on a legal deadline.

• WASHINGTON: A Republican senator killed clean energy legislation by demanding a 39-page bill be read aloud.

• MICHIGAN: A GOP gubernatorial candidate was condemned for repeatedly threatening to publicly hang elected officials for “treason” after they went against his platform.

• WISCONSIN: In his final State of the State address, Governor Tony Evers rejected a GOP tax cut plan and urged lawmakers to remain in session.

• ALASKA: U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan gave a highly partisan speech to state lawmakers while facing protesters who accused him of supporting federal overreach.

It’s February 14, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup. Happy Valentine’s Day to all — here’s hoping your personal relationships are showing more stability than the currently strained partnership between the federal government and the states.

This week, electoral and governance structures are in focus as federal lawmakers seek to consolidate power over election administration, while states aim to protect their systems from federal intervention, political parties, or voters themselves. Meanwhile, most state lawmakers are hitting the first month of the 2026 legislative session, tackling critical issues such as housing, AI regulation, and local ICE actions as the 2026 midterms approach.

A governance crisis is also unfolding in my home state of Hawaiʻi, touching on the very themes of campaign finance, institutional trust, and election structure that we track here. Gov. Josh Green canceled a trip to Washington, stating, “in light of recent events and to ensure steady leadership for our state during this time.” He remains in the state as Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke is facing scrutiny over her failure to disclose $10,000 in campaign donations amidst a separate and ongoing investigation into an unnamed legislator who reportedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag. Hawaiʻi’s Attorney General continues the investigation, rejecting calls for an independent prosecutor.

Who Runs Elections? Federal Power Tests State Control

Questions of who truly governs elections reached a fever pitch this week as the U.S. House passed the SAVE Act. The bill, which faces a steep climb in the Senate, would mandate documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and require states to conduct monthly voter roll purges.

Washington’s Moves

• ALASKA: State officials signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the Department of Justice to identify individual voters for eventual removal from state rolls.

• GEORGIA: An unsealed affidavit used to justify an FBI raid on Fulton County’s elections hub drew sharp rebukes from Democrats who called the claims baseless.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: The FBI invited Secretary of State David Scanlan to a virtual “preparations” meeting for the midterms while the state remains in a legal fight over voter rolls.

• OHIO: School officials and voting rights groups condemned a Department of Homeland Security visit to a Dayton high school to investigate a year-old voter fraud allegation.

• NEBRASKA: The state Supreme Court denied an immediate injunction against handing voter data to federal officials, though it will hear the full case in March.

State Pushback & Compliance

• ALASKA: State officials signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the Department of Justice to identify individual voters for eventual removal from state rolls.

• MICHIGAN: A federal judge dismissed a Department of Justice attempt to force the state to hand over sensitive voter registration data including Social Security numbers.

• MONTANA: Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen denied releasing confidential voter information to the federal government, despite requests for “all fields” of the state’s rolls.

• ARIZONA: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Scottsdale to push the SAVE Act, but failed to provide specific examples of noncitizen voting during a press conference.

• OHIO: House Speaker Matt Huffman categorically rejected President Trump’s calls to “nationalize” elections, insisting that the state should remain in charge of its own process.

• NEBRASKA: Despite ongoing litigation, Secretary of State Bob Evnen fulfilled his pledge to hand over voter data, including partial Social Security numbers, to federal investigators.

• NORTH DAKOTA: Officials say the SAVE Act would not affect the state because it is the only one in the nation without a voter registration system.

Elections in Motion

Even as some states begin early voting, others are still reshuffling their districts, debating who is eligible to cast a ballot, and finalizing the measures that will appear before voters this fall.

Who Can Vote

• IOWA: A settlement was reached in a lawsuit over the state’s 2024 “potential noncitizens” list, ensuring the unreliable data won’t be used for future voter challenges.

• UTAH: A bill to offer voter registration during hunting license purchases faced backlash after being amended to allow third-party contractors to review registration databases.

• WASHINGTON: The House approved legislation making it tougher for private citizens to challenge a voter’s registration, requiring “personal knowledge” of the facts.

How Voting Works

• ARIZONA: House Republicans passed a resolution that would end Election Day ballot drop-offs and require voters to provide government-issued ID with mail-in ballots.

• MICHIGAN: Lawmakers are debating moving primary elections from August to May to give local clerks more time to certify results before the general election.

• MAINE: The Legislature is asking the state’s highest court to issue an advisory opinion on whether expanding ranked-choice voting to gubernatorial and legislative races is constitutional.

• WEST VIRGINIA: The House passed a bill requiring absentee ballots to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, removing the current postmark-based deadline.

• KANSAS: A new bill would require all legal challenges to election laws to be filed in Shawnee County, a move critics call partisan “forum shopping.”

Primaries Taking Shape

• LOUISIANA: Candidates are filing for the state’s newly overhauled closed primary system, which replaces the long-standing “jungle primary” for most major offices.

• NORTH CAROLINA: Early voting began this week for primary races that will decide key congressional matchups and a highly contested U.S. Senate seat.

• RHODE ISLAND: Perennial candidate Allen Waters has launched a fifth campaign in seven years, this time running as an independent for Providence mayor.

Ballot Questions & Citizen Power

• KANSAS: Voters will decide this summer whether to move to direct elections for state Supreme Court justices, potentially ending the state’s current merit-based commission system.

• ARIZONA: Public education advocates filed a ballot measure to overhaul the state’s universal school voucher system by adding income caps and accountability requirements.

• COLORADO: A new initiative seeks to establish a fundamental constitutional right to access public meetings and government records following recent legislative restrictions.

• ARKANSAS: A judge blocked a 2023 law that increased the signature requirement for ballot measures from 15 counties to 50, ruling it unconstitutionally restricted direct democracy.

• FLORIDA: A federal trial began over the state’s 2025 restrictions on ballot initiatives, including high fines for non-citizen petition circulators and shortened delivery timelines.

• OHIO: Organizers are racing to collect 248,000 signatures to block a law that would change the state’s voter-approved recreational marijuana rules.

• NEVADA: A biotech firm is pushing a constitutional amendment to allow Nevadans access to experimental medical treatments that have not received FDA approval.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: The Senate approved a resolution to ask voters to legalize mobile sports betting, with 90% of the tax revenue dedicated to property tax relief.

• NEW MEXICO: Advocates are rallying to put a measure on the ballot that would make New Mexico lawmakers the last in the nation to receive a salary.

ICE & Immigration Crackdowns

Border Czar Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, claiming success despite widespread local opposition and the deaths of two American citizens. Gov. Tim Walz has proposed $10 million in relief for businesses affected by the surge, though he acknowledged it is only a small piece of the necessary recovery.

Detentions and Raids

• IDAHO: Tribal nations are urging members to carry identification following reports of ICE agents detaining Native Americans after failing to distinguish them from immigrants.

• TENNESSEE: ICE confirmed the purchase of a facility in Lebanon to serve as the state’s second immigrant detention center, catching local and state officials by surprise.

• MICHIGAN: Federal records indicate one ICE facility is expanding and two more are being established in the state as part of a national detention model.

• INDIANA: The state received its first $1.17 million payment from the federal government for housing immigration detainees at the Miami Correctional Facility.

• NEVADA: Immigration arrests in the state have tripled compared to 2024, with roughly 40% of those detained having no prior criminal record.

• NEW JERSEY: Gov. Mikie Sherrill launched a state website for residents to report “harmful conduct” by ICE agents and signed an order limiting enforcement on state-owned property.

Lawsuits & Court Rulings

• NATIONAL: A federal appeals court ruled that a landmark 1996 law provides for “mandatory detention” without bond for many immigrants who entered the country illegally.

• IOWA and NEBRASKA: Detainees in both states are suing the Department of Justice, alleging federal officials are ignoring court orders regarding mandatory detention and due process rights.

• IDAHO: The ACLU filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that a horse track raid in Wilder used “aggressive force,” including zip-tying teenagers and pointing guns at compliant families.

• INDIANA: A federal lawsuit alleges that administration officials coerced tech companies into removing apps and social media groups that tracked and recorded ICE activities.

• MISSOURI: Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed a lawsuit seeking to force a “redo” of the 2020 Census to exclude non-citizens from apportionment counts.

Legislatures Join the Fight

• WASHINGTON: The Senate passed the SAFE Act, which requires federal agents to obtain a judicial warrant before entering nonpublic areas of schools and hospitals.

• TENNESSEE: A bill creating a state crime for defying a federal deportation order advanced, alongside legislation to require local agencies to honor federal immigration detainers.

• FLORIDA: A wide-ranging bill cleared its first committee, seeking to ban non-citizens from sending money overseas and mandating all licensing tests be in English.

• INDIANA: House Republicans approved a bill mandating local police and university cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, brushing aside civil rights concerns.

• NEW MEXICO: Lawmakers are weighing the economic impact of the Immigrant Safety Act, which prohibits state and local governments from entering into ICE detention contracts.

• WEST VIRGINIA: The Senate passed a bill requiring law enforcement to notify ICE whenever they identify an individual who is in the country illegally.

What Else Legislators Are Racing to Regulate

Apart from the immediate heat of immigration and election battles, state legislatures are also dealing with how to regulate the rapid growth of AI, protecting youth on social media, and managing the massive infrastructure needs of new data centers and affordable housing.

AI in Health and Everyday Life

• ALABAMA: A Senate committee approved a bill requiring a human professional to make the final decision when AI is used to deny health care coverage.

• ARIZONA: Lawmakers are advancing several bills to protect minors from AI chatbots and ensure conversations with AI “professionals” are treated as privileged in court.

• KANSAS: A legislative proposal seeks to prohibit AI platforms from developing “emotional relationships” with users or encouraging harmful acts like suicide or murder.

Social Media & Youth Protections

• INDIANA: A House committee is considering a new model for social media regulation focused on parental consent and curbs on “addictive algorithms” for minors.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: NetChoice sued the state to block the Age-Appropriate Code Design Act, claiming the law’s speech restrictions and data collection bans are unconstitutional.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: The House advanced a bill to prohibit social media apps from selling the location data of underage users, despite Democratic protests of an “inadequate” hearing process.

Data Centers & the Grid

• COLORADO: Environmental groups are backing legislation to require large data centers to use 100% renewable energy by 2031, countering an industry-backed bill offering tax breaks.

• NEW JERSEY: Committees in both chambers approved a bill requiring data centers to pay for at least 85% of the infrastructure upgrades needed to deliver their power.

• VIRGINIA: A new proposal would shift distribution costs from residential customers to data centers, potentially dropping home electric bills by over five dollars per month.

• WASHINGTON: Lawmakers are advancing a bill to ensure new data centers cover the full cost of grid upgrades, though they recently removed a proposed per-kilowatt fee.

• WISCONSIN: Democratic legislators proposed a moratorium on data center construction until a state planning authority is established and 100% renewable energy requirements are met.

Housing & Homelessness

• PENNSYLVANIA: Gov. Josh Shapiro introduced a 10-year roadmap to build 450,000 new units by 2035 and reduce barriers to homeownership for minority residents.

• NEW MEXICO: The Senate Finance Committee approved sales tax deductions for construction materials used in multi-family housing complexes where 80% of units are affordable.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: Bipartisan legislation advanced that would remove eviction records from public access after five years to help residents find stable housing.

• UTAH: A Salt Lake City tiny-home village added its first Boxabl unit, part of a holistic “whole person” approach to rehabilitating chronic homelessness.

In Case You Missed It …

• “Why Democracy Shouldn’t End at the Office Door,” by Malcolm Salter, Feb. 14, 2026

• “We Have Reached Bottom,” by Anne-Marie Slaughter, Feb. 12, 2026

• “The Renovator Community - Big Announcements!” by Danielle Allen, Feb. 10, 2026

• “The AI for Liberty & Democracy,” by Aidan Fitzsimons, Feb. 9, 2026

It’s Saturday, February 7, 2026, and time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup.

While ICE’s tactics are drawing national attention and protests, another significant and lasting issue is emerging: the growing conflict between federal authority and state power, particularly regarding elections.

This week, our founder Danielle Allen warned that the president is an “out-of-control megalomaniac” leading a “MEGA Movement” directing “ferocious energy toward knocking down our constitutional order.” In her telling, the movement has now turned its attention to the “remaining fence”: the powers reserved to the states and the people, with election systems at the center of this struggle.

This context is important for understanding last week’s events in Congress, where Republicans introduced the “Make Elections Great Again Act,” which Allen refers to as the “Megalomania bill.” Although a provision requiring documentary proof of citizenship was removed at the last minute, the bill still raises significant concerns by maintaining a nationwide photo ID requirement and introducing new obstacles to voter registration.

We’ll start with the institutional and election fights now escalating in statehouses and courts, then move to immigration enforcement and state-level pushback, and close with the fiscal pressures influencing state budgets and tax decisions.

Elections and the struggle over state control

With Washington getting more involved in areas states usually handle, local election officials are bracing for a year full of changes, lawsuits, and quick shifts in the rules. All of this could change how voting works before November arrives.

States respond

• COLORADO: Republican policies proposed in Congress could upend state elections by banning universal mail-in ballots.

• MONTANA: Congressional representatives remain silent as the administration doubles down on claims that the federal government should take over election administration.

• GEORGIA: Fulton County officials filed a lawsuit seeking the return of 2020 election ballots seized during a recent FBI raid.

• MICHIGAN: State Democrats are pushing back against federal efforts to sow doubt in the integrity of Michigan’s election results.

Eligibility, access & data

• ALABAMA: The House approved a bill setting a maximum price for voter rolls while imposing new restrictions on accessing voter information.

• ARKANSAS: State voter verification letters were sent without a date or official letterhead, leading to confusion among thousands of recipients.

• MONTANA: Lawmakers are questioning the Secretary of State regarding the sharing of private voter data with federal agencies.

• FLORIDA: A bill requiring first-time voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship cleared its first legislative committee.

• NEBRASKA: A committee advanced a constitutional amendment specifying that “only” citizens can vote in state elections.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Lawmakers passed a bill to tighten candidate petition deadlines, aiming to provide auditors more time to prepare ballots.

• TENNESSEE: Officials reported a “human error” temporarily prevented voters from looking up their registration status online.

Casting & counting ballots

• FLORIDA: A Senate committee approved a measure to force the governor to quickly call special elections for vacant seats.

• KANSAS: New legislation would eliminate mail-in ballots entirely if a court strikes down the state’s signature verification laws.

• MISSOURI: A Senate committee heard a bill to move school board elections to November to increase participation.

• NORTH CAROLINA: A federal judge expressed skepticism about the feasibility of opening university voting sites on short notice.

• RHODE ISLAND: The House approved a permanent electronic portal for disabled and military voters to cast ballots independently.

• TENNESSEE: Advocacy groups warned that technical “glitches” in election infrastructure are damaging public trust in democracy.

• WISCONSIN: A new federal voting bill introduced by a state congressman drew swift condemnation from voting rights advocates.

Redistricting

• FLORIDA: Voters filed a lawsuit to block a mid-decade congressional redistricting plan proposed by the governor.

• INDIANA: Fundraising for congressional races is intensifying despite ongoing uncertainty regarding district lines.

• MARYLAND: A state senator walked off the floor in protest after leadership stalled a vote on redistricting legislation.

• UTAH: Two representatives asked a federal court to block a new court-ordered map that created a Democratic district.

• VIRGINIA: The state Supreme Court announced it will hear a major challenge to the current congressional maps.

Institutions under revision

Changes to election rules don’t happen on their own. States are also rethinking how their governments work, including who has power, how agencies are set up, and the rules for courts and term limits.

• IDAHO: The House is considering a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to amend the U.S. Constitution.

• INDIANA: Lawmakers advanced a massive bill to consolidate 63 state boards and place new limits on public lawsuits.

• NORTH DAKOTA: The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case regarding a ballot measure that modified voter-approved term limits.

• UTAH: The State Bar issued a warning against legislative attempts to expand the Supreme Court and alter lower court structures.

• WISCONSIN: GOP lawmakers are pursuing a constitutional amendment to grant the legislature more control over administrative rulemaking.

On the ballot and on the campaign trail

While lawmakers and courts argue over the rules, voters and candidates are finding their own ways to get involved. The latest ballot measures and campaign moves show just how fast things can change when the rules aren’t settled.

Ballot measures

• MAINE: Voters may decide on a measure to roll back transgender rights this November following a successful signature drive.

• MISSOURI: Courts continue to toss out ballot summaries drafted by the Secretary of State, citing biased and misleading language.

• OHIO: Activists were cleared to begin collecting signatures for a repeal of the state’s hemp ban and marijuana restrictions.

• OKLAHOMA: The governor proposed several new state questions to overhaul public spending in his final address.

• UTAH: The battle over a redistricting-related ballot measure has turned “ugly,” with reports of misleading tactics and fraudulent signatures.

• VIRGINIA: Governor Spanberger signed legislation sending four constitutional amendments to the voters later this year.

Candidates & elections

• INDIANA: A surprise filing for a U.S. House seat has intensified a series of high-stakes Republican primary battles.

• MAINE: A special election to fill a vacant House seat has been scheduled to coincide with the June primary.

• NORTH CAROLINA: A Republican candidate for U.S. Senate was disqualified by the state board for failing to meet residency requirements.

• NEW MEXICO: A gubernatorial candidate switched from the Democratic party to an independent just before the filing deadline.

Immigration enforcement and the state-level response

We’re seeing the same push and pull between federal and state power in immigration enforcement. Local governments are deciding whether to cooperate, resist, or worry about legal risks. This week brought more enforcement, new laws, and communities coming together to respond.

State & local government action

• COLORADO: Democrats are demanding an investigation into “death cards” left in the cars of individuals detained by federal agents.

• ARIZONA: Governor Hobbs launched a “Know Your Rights” website for residents following weeks of protests against federal enforcement.

• IDAHO: Republican senators introduced a bill to “strengthen” a court-blocked immigration law to better withstand federal preemption challenges.

• IOWA: Lawmakers questioned Des Moines school officials regarding their cooperation with federal immigration agents.

• MARYLAND: Both legislative chambers overwhelmingly approved bills banning local law enforcement from entering into detention agreements with ICE.

• MICHIGAN: Senate bills were introduced to restrict the sharing of identifying information with ICE without a judicial warrant.

• MINNESOTA: A Republican state senator criticized the federal “border czar” over reports of “countless wrongful detentions” of legal residents.

• MISSOURI: Jackson County officials joined a push to prohibit federal agents from wearing facial coverings during enforcement actions.

• NEVADA: The state treasurer joined a group of officials warning that federal immigration tactics are causing significant economic harm.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Democrats failed to pass a bill that would have allowed towns to block the construction of new federal detention facilities.

• RHODE ISLAND: Senate leadership is preparing legislation to require judicial warrants for all federal immigration arrests in the state.

• NEW MEXICO: Governor Lujan Grisham signed the Immigrant Safety Act to ban local governments from contracting with federal detention agencies.

• VIRGINIA: Governor Spanberger ended a long-standing agreement that allowed state police and corrections officers to assist ICE agents.

• WASHINGTON: The Senate approved guardrails for license plate readers to prevent federal access to data for civil immigration enforcement.

• WISCONSIN: The city of Verona began removing license plate cameras after canceling a contract over concerns about federal surveillance abuses.

Citizens’ response

• ALASKA: Residents joined nationwide protests to condemn “violent” immigration crackdowns and recent fatalities in federal custody.

• COLORADO: A large crowd gathered in Denver to protest ICE as part of a national general strike against federal tactics.

• ARIZONA: Thousands marched in Phoenix against what they described as a violent and racially motivated deportation campaign.

• IDAHO: Governor Little fired a human rights commissioner who posted social media comments critical of federal immigration enforcement.

• MARYLAND: Opposition is growing against the potential construction of new federal detention centers within state borders.

• MICHIGAN: Hundreds of high school students walked out of class to protest federal immigration actions in their community.

• NEVADA: Activists in Southern Nevada are organizing a network to respond rapidly to federal immigration activity and arrests.

• NEW MEXICO: Thousands of residents gathered in Albuquerque’s city center to demand an end to federal immigration sweeps.

• WISCONSIN: Hundreds marched through Madison and Milwaukee to protest what they called an “unprecedented” federal crackdown on immigrant families.

In the courts

• COLORADO: Congressional representatives visited an Aurora detention facility after a court ruling restored their right to conduct unannounced oversight visits.

• NEBRASKA: The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of detainees, alleging that federal agents are blocking access to legal counsel.

• NEVADA: A judge ordered the DMV to produce all communications with federal agencies regarding the sharing of driver data.

• NORTH DAKOTA: A wave of detention cases involving legal residents and refugees has begun moving through the state court system.

• WEST VIRGINIA: A federal judge ruled that a third immigrant was wrongly jailed as state facilities become overcrowded with federal detainees.

ICE activity

• NEBRASKA: The detention of a DACA recipient has left a mixed-status family in turmoil and seeking federal intervention.

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Newly released documents confirm federal plans to place a high-capacity immigration facility in Merrimack.

• NATIONAL: The number of people in immigration detention nationwide surpassed 70,000 last month, an all-time high.

• WEST VIRGINIA: Public defenders argued in court that ICE tactics have systematically violated constitutional protections for non-citizens.

• WISCONSIN: Federal agents from the Twin Cities office have extended their enforcement operations deep into Western Wisconsin communities.

Human impact

• MAINE: Lingering fear is disrupting local businesses and healthcare one week after the end of a large-scale federal operation.

• RHODE ISLAND: Families reported that federal agents are refusing to disclose the locations of detainees who have been hospitalized.

• NATIONAL: Mayors from across the country described a “climate of fear” that is preventing residents from accessing basic city services.

• WISCONSIN: Community groups are mobilizing to provide support for families as the federal crackdown enters its second month.

Budgets, cuts, and the new fiscal reality

After elections and enforcement, the third big story this week is about money. States are facing tough choices as federal funding drops and costs go up. Some are making deep cuts, some are trying to fill the gaps, and others are changing tax policies to keep their budgets steady.

Tighter budgets

• IDAHO: The budget committee approved 5% “chainsaw” cuts for most state agencies to account for declining federal aid.

• KANSAS: Lawmakers moved to slash funding for public universities, freezing tuition and withholding millions over policy disagreements.

• KENTUCKY: Republican budget writers voiced skepticism over the governor’s universal Pre-K proposal due to long-term funding concerns.

• NORTH DAKOTA: The state is offering early retirement incentives to employees to reduce payroll as global oil prices fluctuate.

• OKLAHOMA: Governor Stitt’s budget proposes flat spending for most agencies while cutting deeper into health and human services.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: A proposal to invest $2.5 million in teacher retention moved forward as schools struggle with staffing shortages.

Taxing choices

• GEORGIA: Lawmakers rejected the governor’s income tax rebate in favor of a one-time property tax break for homeowners.

• IDAHO: The House approved a bill to adopt federal tax changes that will cost the state $155 million in revenue.

• NEW JERSEY: The new treasurer announced that the state will fill its $1.5 billion budget gap without raising taxes on residents.

• SOUTH CAROLINA: Small businesses could see lower property taxes on office equipment under a new bill passed by the House.

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Committees are sparring over dozens of competing tax relief bills, including a move to legalize mobile sports betting.

• WASHINGTON: Governor Ferguson rejected an initial legislative proposal for a capital gains tax overhaul, seeking more direct education spending.

Filling gaps

• MAINE: Governor Mills’ final budget pulls from the “rainy day” fund to provide $300 affordability payments and offset federal cuts.

• NEBRASKA: Residents criticized a proposal to sweep $495 million from specialized cash funds to fill a projected state deficit.

In Case You Missed It …

• “Questions for Leaders: A Self-Examination,” by Mary C. Gentile, Feb. 7, 2026

• “Gold Medals and American Unity: The Surprising Civic Power of Sports,” by Conor Gaughan, Shared America, Feb. 5, 2026

• “The MEGA(lomania) Movement,” by Danielle Allen, Feb. 4, 2026

• “Mamdani’s Bold Experiment in Participatory Democracy,” by Gideon Lichfield, Feb. 1, 2026

We’ve finally reached the end of a very long week and the first (?!) month of 2026. Happy January 31st! It’s time for your Democracy in the States: Weekly Roundup.

At the national level, the week’s flashpoints included an FBI raid on a Fulton County elections warehouse and a Director of National Intelligence appearance tied to a 2020 election investigation, per Politico. (Politico)

In Missouri, a canceled “state of the judiciary” speech became a procedural fight over what the Missouri Constitution actually requires (Missouri Independent). And in Utah, lawmakers sent a court-expansion bill to the governor - a reminder that “structure” is policy too (Utah News Dispatch). Meanwhile, bills tackling ICE, changing ballot access, and much more are flying through our state Legislatures.

Keeping elections running

As a The Renovator reader, you probably don’t need much convincing that election administration is the plumbing of constitutional democracy. This week’s stories show the plumbing is getting reworked, argued over, and stress-tested.

When federal power meets state election offices

• GEORGIA: FBI raids Fulton County elections warehouse seeking 2020 ballots.

• MAINE: Sec. of State Bellows: DOJ demand for Minnesota voter data shows ICE raids tied to elections.

Access fights and eligibility lines

• IDAHO: Idaho senator proposes bill eliminating voter affidavit as acceptable ID at polls

• KANSAS: Kansas election committee uncloaks main goal: Shoving more hardcore Republicans into office

• MICHIGAN: Benson says flawed review risks disenfranchising eligible Michigan voters

• NORTH CAROLINA: NC college students sue over lack of campus early voting sites

• UTAH: Utah bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote advances

• TENNESSEE: Tennessee Republican bill would limit federal office to natural-born citizens

Changing the machinery

• MISSOURI: House committee kills plan to reinstate Missouri presidential primary

• NORTH CAROLINA: NC elections board to review all administrative rules for absentee ballots

• SOUTH CAROLINA: Freedom votes: Don’t close South Carolina’s primary elections

• TENNESSEE: Tennessee senator proposes local election move to state, federal date

• MARYLAND: Redistricting bill heads for final House vote as Democrats easily rebuff GOP amendments

Ballots and initiatives

Election day systems aren’t the only piece of the democracy puzzle undergoing changes. The initiative process itself is also getting rewritten, litigated, and re-scoped.

Rewriting the initiative rulebook

• OHIO: The challenges of bringing a ballot initiative to Ohio voters, and why it’s harder than ever

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Paying ballot-question petition circulators would be banned by bill advancing to SD House

• UTAH: Utah is undermining popular sovereignty through ballot initiative restrictions

• WASHINGTON: Democrats’ plan to revamp WA’s initiative process stirs backlash

• ARKANSAS: Arkansas Explained: How to propose a ballot measure

Courts as referees

• MISSOURI: Missouri Supreme Court strikes down law on ballot title cases, special appeal power for AG

• NORTH DAKOTA: Lawsuit accuses North Dakota lawmakers of violating constitution with term limits ballot measure

• ALASKA: New lawsuit claims Alaska’s description of a proposed elections ballot measure is biased

What’s up next

• COLORADO: Ballot measure would require​ notice from Colorado law enforcement to immigration authorities

• MICHIGAN: Affordability concerns could earn two petitions a spot on Michigan’s 2026 ballot

• OKLAHOMA: Open primary supporters deliver signatures to Oklahoma Secretary of State

• SOUTH DAKOTA: Voters could consider tighter legislative term limits under measure approved by state Senate

• WASHINGTON: Rivian pledges $4.6M for ballot initiative to allow direct EV sales in WA

• UTAH: As deadline looms, Trump looks to boost effort to repeal Utah independent redistricting law

ICE crackdown meets statehouse backlash

Backlash to ICE tactics is also driving policy and politics across the country. A Stateline round-up captures the split: some lawmakers are drafting bills to help ICE move faster, while others are trying to slow cooperation or add guardrails. (Stateline)

Bills, budgets, and legislative push back

• ALASKA: ‘Our government is out of control,’ Alaska legislator says, calling for end to state aid for ICE

• KANSAS: Kansas Democrats tout bill requiring ICE to display IDs, shed masks and forego warrantless searches

• MAINE: Public overwhelmingly backs bill to restrict ICE access to schools, hospitals, child cares

• MICHIGAN: Michigan House Republicans threaten judicial funding over proposed court rule on ICE arrests

• MONTANA: Helena City Commission grapples with immigration resolution

• MARYLAND: House committee advances bill to ban sheriffs’ agreements with ICE, a day after Senate panel OK

• MICHIGAN: Michigan Senate hearing on ICE accountability bills features emotional testimony, fiery debate

• PENNSYLVANIA: What is the fate of some two dozen ICE bills before Pa. state lawmakers?

• NEW MEXICO: Gov supports NM ban on local law enforcement agreements with ICE

• VIRGINIA: Democrats push restrictions on federal immigration enforcement in Virginia

• WASHINGTON: WA Senate passes ban on police face coverings

• GEORGIA: Shooting death of U.S. citizen in Minnesota echoes under Georgia’s Gold Dome

• MARYLAND: Senate gives preliminary OK to bills banning 287(g) agreements, masks for law enforcement

Citizen protests and calls for action

• COLORADO: Some Colorado businesses plan to close for national shutdown to protest ICE

• KANSAS: Lawrence high school students and residents march against immigration enforcement abuses

• MAINE: Mainers ‘refuse to look away’ with thousands rallying against ICE operation

• OHIO: Central Ohio high schools students protest ICE, teacher unions condemn ICE activity near schools

• RHODE ISLAND: RI organizations to take part in national shutdown calling on officials to abolish ICE

• NEW MEXICO: Hundreds rally against immigrant detention in New Mexico

• WISCONSIN: Advocates say they’re ready if feds bring anti-immigrant surge to Wisconsin

• ARIZONA: Student protesters shut down Arizona Senate with anti-ICE demonstration at Capitol

• MINNESOTA: The anti-ICE movement isn’t just about politics — it’s a caregiving social movement

• NEW JERSEY: Activists want NJ pension fund to drop tech firm over ICE ties

• NORTH CAROLINA: Hundreds take to the streets of Raleigh and Durham to demand ‘ICE out’

• OHIO: Fear, faith and preparation as ICE closes in on an Ohio community

• NEW MEXICO: ‘We remember you’: Leger Fernández and New Mexico faith leaders lead vigil against ICE

Officials and candidates pick a lane

• ALASKA: Murkowski condemns Noem and ICE actions: ‘I think it is probably time for her to step down’

• COLORADO: Colorado Democrats in Congress call on Noem to resign after ICE shootings

• FLORIDA: Killing of anti-ICE protester exposes rare GOP rift on immigration — even in Florida

• VIRGINIA: Virginia AG Jones joins 21 attorneys general condemning DOJ pressure on Minnesota

• MAINE: Sen. Collins says Homeland Security ended enhanced ICE operation in Maine

• MAINE: Mills rebukes ICE, pivots to affordability agenda in final state of the state address

• MICHIGAN: Four Michigan Democrats among lawmakers heading to Minnesota in show of solidarity

• MINNESOTA: Chris Madel drops out of race for GOP nomination for governor, blasts immigration crackdown

• NORTH CAROLINA: Roy Cooper backs conditions on Homeland Security funding after Minnesota shootings

• OKLAHOMA: Oklahoma governor calls for ‘reset’ in immigration enforcement following third ICE shooting

• WISCONSIN: Wisconsin joins filing to support Minnesota lawsuit against ICE deployment

• ARIZONA: Arizona Democrats rail against ICE violence: ‘What the hell is wrong with us?’

• MICHIGAN: Nessel won’t rule out legal action in case of ICE surge, calls current actions ‘deeply concerning’

In the courts

• MINNESOTA: Federal judge — a Scalia protege — again rips ICE for ignoring court orders in Minnesota

• MINNESOTA: Lawsuit: DHS blocking lawyers from meeting with detainees

• MINNESOTA: ICE releases detainee following slapdown from federal judge

• OKLAHOMA: Lawmakers sue to prevent sharing of Oklahoma driver’s license information

• IOWA: Judge: ICE used a ‘legal fiction’ to illegally detain man in Iowa jail

• IOWA: Federal judge slams Iowa ICE agents for unlawful arrest, ‘misleading’ actions

Where state and local governments are leaning in

• NEW MEXICO: NM GOP senator asks feds to intervene and help stop immigration detention ban

• ALABAMA: House committee approves bill to allow local agencies to enforce immigration laws

• INDIANA: Immigration enforcement bill clears Indiana Senate amid national ICE controversy

• WEST VIRGINIA: WV Senate passes law enforcement safety bill; Democrat says it could ban filming immigration agents

• ARIZONA: GOP bill would let police seize big rigs owned by companies hiring undocumented drivers

• ARIZONA: Republicans push citizenship questions at hospitals as ICE enters medical facilities

• ARIZONA: Pinal County Attorney ignores board’s order to end ICE partnership

Counting homelessness in a tougher winter

And something else to note ... the disruption and dangers caused by ICE tactics will make this year’s Point-in-Time Count harder in some places, on top of what unsheltered people, advocates, and providers are already facing from federal cuts. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is “a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January,” planned and carried out locally under HUD requirements. (HUD Exchange)

• NEVADA: As counties prepare to count unhoused population, HUD guidelines assure an undercount

• PENNSYLVANIA: ‘Code Blue’: homeless shelters brace for massive winter storm and frigid cold

• RHODE ISLAND: Rhode Island’s annual homelessness census set for Tuesday night

• NEW MEXICO: HUD homelessness funding still uncertain amid lawsuits, shutdown threat, NM official says

• UTAH: ‘Housing not handcuffs’: National advocacy groups take aim at Utah’s homeless campus

Taxing debates

Lastly, amidst pressing needs, state legislators are considering a variety of approaches to fund their preferred programs and policies.

• ALASKA: Alaska governor debuts fiscal plan, including statewide sales tax and guaranteed PFD

• GEORGIA: Georgia House GOP unveils plan to end property taxes for homeowners

• IDAHO: Idaho lawmakers unveil new tax conformity bill with estimated $155 million price tag

• INDIANA: State tax cut for overtime and tips clears Senate; House sends other tax breaks to Braun

• INDIANA: Indiana’s property tax cut will shrink local government — and economic growth

• IOWA: Local government officials raise concerns about revenue cap in property tax bills

• MISSOURI: New Missouri income tax cut plan could allow first-ever sales tax on gas and diesel

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: Who really pays for business tax cuts in New Hampshire?

• RHODE ISLAND: McKee finally endorsed a millionaire’s tax. Progressives and business groups aren’t happy.

• ALASKA: Raising oil, corporate taxes is least-painful option for reducing Alaska deficits, ISER concludes

• WEST VIRGINIA: New study finds WV to be only state worse off than it was 50 years ago — more tax cuts won’t help

In Case You Missed It …

• “Democracy and the Media: Make the Vessel Visible,” by Michael Larabee, Jan. 29, 2026

• “Pretti, Good, and Liberty,” by Danielle Allen, Jan. 26, 2026

• “Why Should I Care About the Semiquincentennial?” by Caroline Klibanoff, Jan. 25, 2026

• “Civic Education News Roundup,” by Joanna Kenty, Jan. 27, 2026