Eight grandchildren of Walmart founder Sam Walton have gained voting rights over the family’s significant stake in the company, representing a key transition in control. The Walton family owns approximately 46% of Walmart shares, valued at around $345 billion. This transition will not alter current leadership but secures the family’s long-term influence on the business.
The 2024 US Presidential election will feature Bengali as one of the four languages, besides English, available on the ballot. This move, driven by a lawsuit and subsequent legal mandate, ensures linguistic accessibility for Bengali-speaking voters in New York City. While English is widely spoken, the inclusion of Bengali highlights the increasing diversity and representation of the Asian Indian community in the US.
Missouri’s top officials are suing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to block election monitors from entering polling places on Election Day, arguing that the DOJ’s presence is illegal and intimidates voters. The lawsuit comes after the DOJ announced plans to deploy monitors to 86 jurisdictions across 27 states, a significant increase from previous years. Missouri officials, along with other Republican-led states, have argued that federal monitoring is unnecessary and undermines state election integrity.
As North Carolina gears up for the 2024 presidential election, a proposed amendment requiring only U.S. citizens to vote in state elections has ignited controversy. While proponents argue it strengthens election integrity, critics decry it as a discriminatory tactic that targets immigrant communities. This contentious amendment, set to be decided by North Carolina voters next month, raises crucial questions about voting rights and the future of democracy in the state.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s appearance at a Georgia voting location has ignited a firestorm of controversy on social media. Critics have voiced concerns about the 100-year-old Carter’s ability to participate in the electoral process, citing his declining health. The incident has raised questions about the integrity of the voting process and sparked debate about the appropriate care for individuals with advanced health conditions.
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Alabama, accusing the state and its top election official of illegally removing voters from registration rolls based on noncitizen identification numbers. The lawsuit claims the removals were made too close to the election and violated federal law, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters. The DOJ seeks to restore voting rights for those impacted and prevent future confusion.
The inaugural Democracy Heroes Awards, held at The Rockefeller Foundation, honored voting rights activists and organizations across the nation, showcasing their dedication to strengthening democratic values. The event featured speeches by prominent figures and a surprise message from President Biden, emphasizing the importance of continuous engagement in safeguarding democracy.
The House of Representatives rejected a Republican-led spending bill that included a provision requiring proof of citizenship to vote, highlighting deep divisions within the GOP and raising concerns about a potential government shutdown. The bill’s failure underscores the political maneuvering and strategic posturing taking place as the 2024 election approaches.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that mail-in ballots without the correct dates on their envelopes cannot be counted in elections, potentially impacting the upcoming presidential election. This decision, made on procedural grounds, reverses a lower court ruling and aligns with Republican efforts to maintain election integrity. While voting rights advocates express concerns about disenfranchisement, Republicans celebrate the ruling as a victory against potential fraud.
House Republicans are planning to attach a requirement for proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections to a short-term spending bill, aiming to force a showdown with Democrats ahead of the midterm elections. The move, supported by former President Trump, has garnered support from conservatives who cite concerns about voter fraud and the potential for non-citizens to vote in federal elections. However, the plan faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who see it as a solution looking for a problem.
