Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state has removed over 1.1 million names from its voter rolls since 2020, citing ineligibility. The removals were made after a comprehensive audit that identified noncitizens, deceased voters, and individuals who had moved out of state. The move has been met with criticism from some who argue it is an attempt to suppress voter turnout, particularly among minority groups.
The Supreme Court is being asked to allow Arizona to enforce a law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voting in federal elections. This has sparked a debate about voter integrity and the role of states in setting voting rules. The Arizona law, supported by 24 other states and various advocacy groups, argues that it’s crucial to prevent non-citizen voting. Opponents argue that the law is discriminatory and could disenfranchise eligible voters.
The House Freedom Caucus is demanding that any short-term spending bill include a bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, threatening to trigger a government shutdown if their demand isn’t met. This move puts them at odds with their own GOP colleagues, who prefer a broader approach to government funding. The group’s actions come amidst a larger political battle over government spending and the potential for a shutdown before the November election.
The House of Representatives passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, aimed at ensuring only American citizens vote in federal elections. The bill, supported by Republicans and opposed by Democrats, now heads to the Senate where it faces an uphill battle.
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC has announced an update on its total voting rights and capital, as required by Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5.6.1. The report reveals that as of June 30, 2024, the company’s issued share capital comprises 168,595,550 ordinary shares, with 7,006,782 shares held in treasury. This results in a total of 161,588,768 voting rights. The update clarifies that all ordinary shares acquired by the company since the last announcement have been cancelled, as authorized by shareholders in the Annual General Meeting held on May 3, 2024.
Industrialist Ratan Tata has urged Mumbai voters to come out in large numbers and fulfill their electoral responsibilities in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for Monday, May 20. The business tycoon took to social media to encourage Mumbaikars to participate actively in the democratic process. Several Bollywood celebrities have also joined the chorus, sharing messages on their social media platforms to motivate people to vote.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) allows voters to cast their ballots without a physical voter ID card in certain circumstances. Voters whose names are on the electoral roll can use alternative ID proofs, including PAN card, Aadhaar card, driving license, passport, bank passbook with photo, pension document, service ID card, or health insurance smart card issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. This provision ensures that eligible voters can exercise their right to vote even if they do not have a physical voter ID card.
Calgary City Council approved a motion to explore the possibility of allowing permanent residents to vote in civic elections. Councilor Courtney Walcott proposed the motion, arguing that permanent residents contribute to the community and should have a voice in local decision-making. The motion passed 9-6 despite objections from some councilors who believed that voting rights should be restricted to Canadian citizens. The motion will not result in immediate changes to civic elections but initiates a provincial discussion on the issue. Alberta’s Municipal Affairs Minister has stated that only Canadian citizens have the right to vote in civic elections and has no plans to amend this requirement.
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office has appealed a recent ruling that overturned the 2018 illegal voting conviction of Crystal Mason. The office argues that the trial court’s guilty verdict should be upheld as voting is a cornerstone of democracy and must be protected from fraud. Despite Mason’s claim of ignorance about her ineligibility to vote while on supervised release for federal tax evasion, the prosecution insists there was sufficient evidence to establish her knowledge and intent to commit the offense.
Despite favorable weather, Tuesday’s primary elections in the Lehigh Valley saw a low turnout. Voters cast their ballots for Republican and Democratic candidates for various offices, including the 7th District Republican primary for a U.S. House seat, but the lack of a presidential election on the ballot contributed to the slow pace. However, many voters expressed concerns about the divisive political climate and the need to protect voting rights. While mail-in voting has become increasingly popular, in-person turnout remains low compared to pre-pandemic levels.
