American Democracy Minute

Episode 1040: The Redistricting Arms Race was Fueled by Hundreds of Millions in Super PAC and 501C4 Money from Both Sides in Virginia and California

American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 26, 2026 The Redistricting Arms Race was Fueled by Hundreds of Millions in Super PAC and 501C4 Money from Both Sides in Virginia and California The redistricting arms race fights in Virginia, California and elsewhere were fueled by hundreds of millions of dollars from Super PACs and hard-to-track dark money groups.   Contributions shattered Virginia’s previous record for ballot questions. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org] Today’s Links Articles & Resources: Open Secrets - The same dark money groups keep turning up in redistricting fights [https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2026/05/the-same-dark-money-groups-keep-turning-up-in-redistricting-fights/?emci=83cd2c0d-014f-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=604b20a5-a54f-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=26507978] Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) - Virginia’s 10 Most Expensive Referenda [https://www.vpap.org/visuals/visual/the-most-expensive-referenda/] Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) - Top Political Donors in Virginia [https://www.vpap.org/money/top-donors/] BallotPedia - What were the most expensive ballot measures in California? [https://ballotpedia.org/What_were_the_most_expensive_ballot_measures_in_California] California Fair Practices Commission - November 2025 Special Election [https://www.fppc.ca.gov/search-filings/top-10-contributors-list/november-2025-special-election/] Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute -  VA Supreme Court Invalidates Redistricting Referendum for Not Following the Rules for Amendments. It Could Tilt Control of Congress. [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/05/10/va-supreme-court-invalidates-redistricting-referendum-for-not-following-the-rules-for-amendments-it-could-tilt-control-of-congress/] American Democracy Minute - Without Comment, the U.S. Supreme Court Allows California Prop 50 Maps. What’s the Next Battle in the Gerrymandering Wars? [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/02/05/without-comment-the-u-s-supreme-court-allows-california-prop-50-maps-whats-the-next-battle-in-the-gerrymandering-wars/] Register or Check Your Voter Registration: U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State [https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state]  Please follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/americandemocracyminute/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/americandemocracyminute/], and Bluesky Social [https://bsky.app/profile/democracyminute.bsky.social], and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] Subscribe for FREE [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/about-the-american-democracy-minute-radio-report-podcast/subscribe-to-the-american-democracy-minute-podcast/] at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcasting platforms. #NewsAlerts #AmericanDemocracy #Proposition50 #DarkMoney #BigMoney #Virginia #California #Redistricting

Episode 1039: Ballrooms & Billion Dollar Slush Funds: For Memorial Day, Words from Legendary Campaign Finance Reformer, Doris “Granny D” Haddock

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 25, 2026 Ballrooms & Billion Dollar Slush Funds: For Memorial Day, Words from Legendary Campaign Finance Reformer, Doris “Granny D” Haddock In a Memorial Day tradition, we bring you an abridged portion of a speech at the U.S. Capitol by legendary campaign finance reformer Doris “Granny D” Haddock, the 90-year-old grandmother who walked across the U.S. to bring attention to campaign finance corruption. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org]  Today’s Links Articles & Resources: Open Democracy – Granny D Speech at the US Capitol Feb 29 2000 [https://www.opendemocracynh.org/granny_d_speech_at_capitol] Bill Moyers.com/Dan Weeks - 15 Years Later, Granny D’s Walk for Democracy Continues [https://billmoyers.com/2015/03/06/fifteen-years-later-granny-ds-walk-democracy-continues/] YouTube - Trailer to “Granny D Goes to Washington” [https://youtu.be/eZP6DCc2yuE] Open Democracy – “The Politics of Joy (and Sacrifice):  The Fearless Walks and Historic Talks of Doris “Granny D” Haddock” [https://www.opendemocracynh.org/book_the_politics_of_joy]Harvard Kennedy School of Government - Granny D: Awakening America's Non-Voting Women [https://youtu.be/_McDnOAf4x8?si=OWnC82ubQM_JcpBq] Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - Who Was Granny D and Why is She Important to American Democracy? [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2023/01/18/who-was-granny-d-and-why-is-she-important-to-american-democracy/] Groups Taking Action: Open Democracy Action [https://www.opendemocracyaction.org/], End Citizens United [https://www.endcitizensunited.org/], Common Cause [https://www.commoncause.org/research-and-resources/], American Promise [https://americanpromise.net/], Represent.Us [https://represent.us/trump-corruption-tracker/] Register or Check Your Voter Registration: U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State [https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state]  Please follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/americandemocracyminute/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/americandemocracyminute/], and Bluesky Social [https://bsky.app/profile/democracyminute.bsky.social], and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] Subscribe for FREE [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/about-the-american-democracy-minute-radio-report-podcast/subscribe-to-the-american-democracy-minute-podcast/] at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcasting platforms. Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport [https://audioport.org/index.php?op=series&series=American+Democracy+Minute&] and PRX [https://exchange.prx.org/series/42434-american-democracy-minute] #NewsAlerts #AmericanDemocracy #MemorialDay #GrannyD #DorisHaddock #CampaignFinanceReform #BigMoneyCorruption

Episode 1038: South Carolina Legislators Advance Map Flipping the State’s Only Blue Seat, Likely Delaying the Congressional Primary at a Cost of $6 Million

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 22, 2026 South Carolina Legislators Advance Map Flipping the State’s Only Blue Seat, Likely Delaying the Congressional Primary at a Cost of $6 Million  South Carolina legislators advanced a new congressional redistricting map May 20th, after Governor Henry McMaster ordered a special session.  The map, which likely flips South Carolina’s 6th congressional district and only blue seat, passed the full House, a Senate committee and is under consideration in the full Senate.  Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org] Today’s Links Articles & Resources: South Carolina Daily Gazette - House GOP passes new voting lines for SC ahead of court hearing on first lawsuit [https://scdailygazette.com/2026/05/19/lawsuit-attempts-to-pause-gop-push-to-redraw-scs-voting-lines/] South Carolina Daily Gazette - Judge declines to stop redistricting, says FOIA doesn’t apply to SC House rule changes [https://scdailygazette.com/2026/05/20/judge-declines-to-stop-redistricting-says-foia-doesnt-apply-to-sc-house-rule-changes/] South Carolina Daily Gazette - Bill redrawing SC congressional voting lines advances in Senate as cost estimates double [https://scdailygazette.com/2026/05/21/bill-redrawing-sc-congressional-voting-lines-advances-in-senate-as-cost-estimates-double/] Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - (May 14) Redistricting Firefight: SC Gov. Signals Special Session to Bypass Senate Vote; GA Gov. Calls Special Session for 2028 Maps; MD Senate May Reconsider [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/05/14/redistricting-firefight-sc-gov-signals-special-session-to-bypass-senate-vote-ga-gov-calls-special-session-for-2028-maps-md-senate-may-reconsider/] American Democracy Minute - (May 13) SC Senate Derails Redistricting of Congressional Map; MO Supreme Court Finds Map Eliminating Majority Black Kansas City District Constitutional [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/05/13/sc-senate-derails-redistricting-of-congressional-map-mo-supreme-court-finds-map-eliminating-majority-black-kansas-city-district-constitutional/] Groups Taking Action: ACLU SC [https://www.aclusc.org/press-releases/aclu-sc-continues-to-push-for-transparency-in-redistricting-process-after-judges-order/], League of Women Voters SC [https://my.lwv.org/south-carolina-state/article/lwvsc-aclu-sue-rule-law-transparency] Register or Check Your Voter Registration: U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State [https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state]  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] Subscribe for FREE [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/about-the-american-democracy-minute-radio-report-podcast/subscribe-to-the-american-democracy-minute-podcast/] at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most podcasting platforms. #NewsAlerts #AmericanDemocracy #SouthCarolina #RepJamesClyburn #TrumpGerrymandering #Gerrymandering #Redistricting

Episode 1037: Missouri SOS Still Scheming to Derail November Ballot Initiative to Overturn New Gerrymandered Congressional Map Splitting Kansas City

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 21, 2026 Missouri SOS Still Scheming to Derail November Ballot Initiative to Overturn New Gerrymandered Congressional Map Splitting Kansas City Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins told the Associated Press last December he would do “Everything I can to protect Gov. Kehoe’s Missouri First Map,” UNQUOTE.  “Everything” apparently means slow-walking certification of a citizen ballot initiative aimed at overturning the map. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org] Today’s Links Articles & Resources: Missouri Independent - Lawsuit asks judge to force decision on Missouri gerrymandering referendum [https://missouriindependent.com/2026/05/18/lawsuit-asks-judge-to-force-decision-on-missouri-gerrymandering-referendum/] Columbia Missourian - St. Charles County election leader warns redistricting delay could threaten August primary [https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/st-charles-county-election-leader-warns-redistricting-delay-could-threaten-august-primary/article_83cccba9-8569-4495-8ef4-156a7bbc454f.html] Missouri Independent – Denny Hoskins admits writing flawed ballot summary for Missouri gerrymandering referendum [https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/09/denny-hoskins-admits-writing-flawed-ballot-summary-for-missouri-gerrymandering-referendum/]  Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - (Jan.  2026)Missouri Secretary of State Tactics Attempt to Derail Citizen Repeal of Gerrymandered Congressional Map [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/01/11/missouri-secretary-of-state-tactics-attempt-to-derail-citizen-repeal-of-gerrymandered-congressional-map/] American Democracy Minute - (March 2026) MO Supreme Court Upholds Legislature’s Mid-Decade Redistricting Authority, But a Pending Ballot Measure May Yet Invalidate its Map [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2026/03/26/mo-supreme-court-upholds-legislatures-mid-decade-redistricting-authority-but-a-pending-ballot-measure-may-yet-invalidate-its-map/] Groups Taking Action: People Not Politicians MO [https://peoplenotpoliticiansmo.org/breaking-missouri-supreme-court-issues-ruling-in-fair-map-case-as-secretary-of-states-own-data-shows-referendum-is-sufficient/], Campaign Legal Center [https://campaignlegal.org/cases-actions/defending-missourians-unconstitutional-gerrymandering-wise-v-state-missouri], ACLU MO [https://www.aclu-mo.org/news/missouri-supreme-court-to-hear-arguments-to-suspend-house-bill-1s-gerrymandered-maps/] Register or Check Your Voter Registration: U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State [https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state]  Please follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/americandemocracyminute/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/americandemocracyminute/], and Bluesky Social [https://bsky.app/profile/democracyminute.bsky.social], and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] #NewsAlerts #AmericanDemocracy #Missouri #Denny Hoskins #RacialGerrymandering #TrumpGerrymandering #Redistricting #PeopleNotPoliticiansMO

Episode 1036: Could SCOTUS Have the ‘Private Right of Action’ In Their Sights? The Court Returns Two Cases to Lower Courts for ‘Further Consideration’

The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 20, 2026 Could SCOTUS Have the ‘Private Right of Action’ In Their Sights?  The Court Returns Two Cases to Lower Courts for ‘Further Consideration’ May 18th, the U.S. Supreme Court returned two cases to lower courts which  challenge Voting Rights Act provisions allowing an individual to sue for violations, called a “private right of action.” But the cases may return. Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [https://americandemocracyminute.org] Today’s Links Articles & Resources: U.S. Supreme Court - Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe [https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/25-253.html] U.S. Supreme Court - State Board of Election Commissioners v. Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP [https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/25-234.html] North Dakota Monitor -  US Supreme Court sends North Dakota tribal redistricting case back for review [https://northdakotamonitor.com/2026/05/19/us-supreme-court-sends-north-dakota-tribal-redistricting-case-back-for-review/] NPR - The Supreme Court avoids taking up a fight over Voting Rights Act enforcement for now [https://www.npr.org/2026/05/18/nx-s1-5616665/supreme-court-voting-rights-act-private-right] Brennan Center for Justice - The Importance of Letting Voters Defend Their Rights in Court  [https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/importance-letting-voters-defend-their-rights-court] Related ADM Reports: American Democracy Minute - (2025) Native Nations Call on the U.S. Supreme Court to Uphold ‘Private Right of Action’ of Citizens to Bring Complaints Under the 1965 Voting Rights Act [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2025/09/11/native-nations-call-on-the-u-s-supreme-court-to-uphold-private-right-of-action-of-citizens-to-bring-complaints-under-the-1965-voting-rights-act/] American Democracy Minute - (2025) Can Individuals or Advocacy Groups Sue in Voting Rights Cases?  The Magic 8th Circuit Ball Says ‘No’. [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2025/07/30/can-individuals-or-advocacy-groups-sue-in-voting-rights-cases-the-magic-8th-circuit-ball-says-no/] American Democracy Minute - (2023) Radical Federal Court of Appeals Ruling Deals Another Blow to Voters, Democracy Groups and the Voting Rights Act [https://www.americandemocracyminute.org/wethepeople/2023/11/21/radical-federal-court-of-appeals-ruling-deals-another-blow-to-voters-democracy-groups-and-the-voting-rights-act/] Groups Taking Action: Native American Rights Fund [https://narf.org/cases/north-dakota-redistricting-map/], Turtle Mountain Band [https://tmchippewa.com/], Spirit Lake Nation [https://www.spiritlakenation.com/], Campaign Legal Center [https://campaignlegal.org/press-releases/native-american-voters-bring-voting-rights-act-case-supreme-court] Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org [http://www.americandemocracyminute.org/] #NewsAlerts #AmericanDemocracy #Mississippi #NorthDakota #RacialGerrymandering #PrivateRightofAction #USSupremeCourt #SCOTUS #RacialDiscrimination