Aus Dems news round up for 17/03/2026.

#auspol #DemocracyMatters #DemocraticParticipation

Coconut Creek hires FAU team to prepare new voting‑district maps; commission to include Main Street entitlements The Coconut Creek City Commission approved a $29,600 professional services agreement with Dr. Ronald R. Schultz and FAU staff to advise the redistricting board. Commissioners debated whether to count Main Street land‑use entitlements (staff said entitlements and permits will be considered). Board appointments are planned for April 19 and work is expected to finish by June.

Coconut Creek is gearing up for a major shift in its voting districts, with new maps set to reflect the city’s growing population by 2029—are you ready for the changes ahead?

Learn more here!

#CoconutCreekBrowardCounty #FL #CivicAccountability #DemocraticParticipation #CitizenPortal

Senate approves asking voters whether broad-based taxes should require a supermajority The Senate voted to send CACR 12 to the voters, asking whether broad-based taxes should require a supermajority of the General Court; passage in the Senate was 16–8 after extended floor debate about definitions and democratic consequences.

The New Hampshire Senate has approved a measure that could change how broad-based taxes are enacted, putting the power directly in voters' hands!

Click to read more!

#NH #DemocraticParticipation #CitizenPortal #TaxReform #LegislativeTransparency #NewHampshireVoters

Panel advances enabling bill to restore voting rights on release from incarceration The subcommittee reported house bill 9 64, the enabling legislation for House Joint Resolution 2, which outlines how voting rights and voter registration would be restored upon release from incarceration and directs correctional facilities to transmit release information to the Department of Elections; the bill was reported 6–2 with amendment.

Virginia is taking a bold step towards democracy by advancing a bill that automatically restores voting rights upon release from incarceration, ensuring seamless registration for all!

Click to read more!

#VA #VotingAccess #ReentrySupport #DemocraticParticipation #CitizenPortal

Committee reports bill to join national popular vote compact after mixed testimony SB322 to add Virginia to the National Popular Vote Compact was reported out of committee following testimony from supporters and opponents; supporters argued it equalizes votes nationwide, while opponents raised implementation risks like missing certified state totals.

Virginia is one step closer to ensuring every vote counts nationwide as a Senate committee moves forward with a bill to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, despite heated debates on its potential pitfalls.

Read the full story

#VA #DemocraticParticipation #CitizenPortal

👏 We're thrilled to have Anna's dedication and commitment to accessible democracy on our team!

#AspenPolicyAcademy #CivicEngagement #DemocraticParticipation #TeamSpotlight #PublicService

Nebraska bill would let residents in cities' ETJs vote in municipal elections; sponsors call it remedy for 'taxation without representation' LB 951 would let people who live in extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs) vote in the municipal elections of the city that regulates land use and development in those areas. Supporters framed it as correcting a representational gap; opponents warned it could create representation without taxation and complex election-administration challenges.

A Nebraska bill aims to give residents in extraterritorial jurisdictions a vote in municipal elections, challenging the notion of "taxation without representation" that affects thousands.

Click to read more!

#NE #TaxationWithoutRepresentation #ElectionAdministration #DemocraticParticipation

Salem committee votes 5–0 to ask solicitor to draft home rule petition for ranked choice voting A joint City Council committee voted unanimously to ask the city solicitor to draft a Home Rule petition requesting state authorization to adopt ranked choice voting for local elections; proponents cited majority winners, potential cost savings and improved civility, while officials noted implementation and voter-education needs.

Salem is taking a bold step towards democracy by voting to explore ranked choice voting for local elections—could this change the way we vote forever?

Click to read more!

#SalemCityEssexCounty #MA #SalemCityCouncil #VotingReform #DemocraticParticipation #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal

House unanimously approves change to candidate affidavit for nonpartisan races House Bill 4861 would remove a party-affiliation box from the affidavit of identity for candidates in nonpartisan contests; supporters said the current requirement has led to disqualifications. The House passed the bill 100–0 and ordered immediate effect.

In a groundbreaking move, the Michigan House unanimously passed a bill to eliminate party-affiliation questions for nonpartisan candidates, ensuring that deserving candidates won't be disqualified over a technicality.

Learn more here!

#MI #CitizenPortal #DemocraticParticipation

Kern County residents urge supervisors to rescind opposition to Proposition 50; board declines to reverse vote Dozens of residents, veterans, youth groups and civic leaders urged the Kern County Board of Supervisors to rescind an earlier board resolution opposing Proposition 50 and to let voters decide. Supervisors heard the comments but did not reopen or rescind the prior board action during the meeting.

Kern County residents rallied passionately for their supervisors to allow voters to decide on Proposition 50, emphasizing the importance of representative democracy.

Click to read more!

#KernCounty #CA #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #VotingRights #DemocraticParticipation

Election Officials Discuss Provisional Ballot Issues and Voter Education Strategies for 2026 Officials address nearly 400 provisional ballots rejected in November and propose voter outreach solutions.

Nearly 400 provisional ballots cast in Monroe County have raised critical questions about voter eligibility and the integrity of the upcoming election.

Click to read more!

#MonroeCounty #IN #CitizenPortal #MonroeCountyElections #DemocraticParticipation #ElectionTransparency #VoterEngagement

Shelton City Council approves $18K grant for early voting implementation Council authorizes Mayor Loretti to sign agreement for Connecticut early voting grant.

Shelton City Council has just approved an $18,321 grant to implement early voting, a game-changer for voter accessibility in the community!

Click to read more!

#SheltonCityFairfield #CT #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #VoterAccessibility #DemocraticParticipation #SheltonCity

New Hampshire House Considers House Bill 173 on Petition Warrant Article Treatment House Bill 173 faces opposition over changes to petition warrant article amendments.

House Bill 173 is stirring up a fierce debate in New Hampshire, as lawmakers grapple with the balance between citizen engagement and the integrity of local governance.

Read the full story!

#NH #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #NewHampshireLocalGov #DemocraticParticipation #VoterRights

Leon County Commissioners Debate Voting Thresholds for Charter Amendments Commissioners discuss maintaining a two-thirds majority or adopting a simple majority for amendments.

The Leon County Commissioners are locked in a heated debate over whether to simplify the voting threshold for charter amendments—will they prioritize inclusivity or rigorous scrutiny?

Click to read more!

#LeonCounty #FL #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #GovernanceReform #DemocraticParticipation

Committee Discusses Electronic Signature Gathering Benefits and Cost Efficiency Legislators explore advantages of electronic signature system in reducing costs and improving clarity.

Utah lawmakers are considering a groundbreaking electronic signature system that could cut costs and enhance voter understanding in the initiative process.

Learn more here

#UT #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #DemocraticParticipation #ElectionInnovation

Rockville Resident Champions Ranked Choice Voting for Enhanced Community Diversity Resident advocates for ranked choice voting to bolster diversity in community representation.

Rockville residents are championing ranked choice voting to amplify their community's diversity and ensure every voice is heard in local elections.

Learn more here!

#RockvilleCityMontgomeryCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #RockvilleDiversity #CommunityEngagement #DemocraticParticipation #VotingReform

Locals Urge Montgomery County Leaders to Support Ranked Choice Voting Initiative Residents express concerns and propose ranked choice voting to improve local democracy.

Rockville residents are demanding change as they push for ranked choice voting to enhance democracy while grappling with deep-rooted social tensions and calls for greater representation.

Learn more here!

#RockvilleCityMontgomeryCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #SocialTensions #DemocraticParticipation

Massachusetts lawmakers introduce bill for recall elections in Charlemont town Legislators propose legislation enabling recall elections for elected officials in Charlemont.

Massachusetts lawmakers are shaking things up in Charlemont with a bold new bill that could empower voters to recall their elected officials!

Learn more here

#MA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #DemocraticParticipation #CivicAccountability

Matt Barnes leads testimony session with public representatives Matt Barnes initiates a two-minute testimony session for public representatives.

On August 22, 2025, Colorado's House Appropriations meeting spotlighted the power of public testimony in shaping state funding priorities, emphasizing the vital role of community voices in government decisions.

Click to read more!

#CO #CitizenPortal #FundingPriorities #DemocraticParticipation

Theodoros Livanios, Minister of Interior of Greece, Government of the Hellenic Republic

Theodore Chadjipadelis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Wrapping up #ecprgc25 plenary session, 🗣️Keynote Speech on factors affecting 🗳️ voter turnout in 🇬🇷 #GreekElections by distinguished speaker 🎙️Theodoros Livanios, Minister of Interior of Greece, Government of the Hellenic Republic 🏺 #DemocraticParticipation

With introduction by Theodore Chadjipadelis

City Attorney Kerico Discusses Home Rule Charter and Initiative Process in Watertown City Attorney Kerico explains laws, policies, and citizen initiatives during charter presentation.

City Attorney Kerico's presentation on the Home Rule Charter reveals how Watertown residents can shape their governance through laws and initiatives.

Learn more here!

#SD #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #WatertownGovernance #DemocraticParticipation

Residents Demand Special Election for Hempstead Supervisor Amid Tax Increase Concerns James Jacob urges Hempstead council to uphold residents' voting rights amidst tax hike plans.

Hempstead residents are rallying against a decision that could raise taxes by 12% while denying them a voice in choosing their town supervisor.

Click to read more!

#NY #CitizenPortal #NewYorkHempstead #CommunityEngagement #DemocraticParticipation #CivicAccountability

Board Approves 2024 Budget Amendments for Election Grants Board accepts two budget amendments for general election and mail-in ballot grants.

Delaware County's Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step toward enhancing democratic participation by unanimously approving vital election grants!

Click to read more!

#DelawareCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #CommunityGovernance #DemocraticParticipation #ElectionAccessibility

Portland Elections Commission Reports Success of Small Donor Elections in 2024 Cycle Portland Elections Commission highlights positive impact of small donor elections on campaign funding.

The Portland Elections Commission's recent report reveals a revolutionary shift in campaign financing, where small donations now dominate and democracy flourishes.

Click to read more!

#PortlandMultnomahCounty #OR #GrassrootsMovement #DemocraticParticipation #CampaignFinancing

Portland Elections Commission Adjusts Matching Funds Ahead of 2026 Elections Portland Elections Commission increases matching funds following budgetary adjustments for upcoming elections.

Portland's Elections Commission is facing a funding crunch, but there's hope on the horizon as they push to increase matching funds for the crucial 2026 elections!

Get the details!

#PortlandMultnomahCounty #OR #ElectionFunding #DemocraticParticipation #CivicTransparency

Marion County Clerk Champions Voting Rights Amid Threats to Election Workers Clerk emphasizes voting and engagement to protect democracy and support election workers.

Indianapolis City Council is rallying citizens to protect democracy and support election workers facing harassment, emphasizing that every vote matters now more than ever.

Learn more here

#IndianapolisCityMarionCounty #IN #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #DemocraticParticipation

City Council Votes to Put Income Tax Increase on Fall Election Ballot City Council confirms ballot placement for income tax increase, empowering residents to decide.

North Ridgeville City Council is on the brink of a historic decision that could empower residents to vote on a crucial income tax increase this fall.

Get the details!

#NorthRidgevilleLorainCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #NorthRidgevilleCommunity #DemocraticParticipation

City Council Approves Proposal to Limit Mayor's Tie-Breaking Vote Authority City council votes on resolution to amend charter limiting mayor's voting powers during ties.

Santa Fe City Council has just taken a bold step that could redefine the mayor's voting power and reshape local governance!

Click to read more!

#SantaFeSantaFeCounty #NM #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #DemocraticParticipation #LocalElections #SantaFeGovernance

Massachusetts Senate Bill 526 Enhances Youth Voting Rights for Preliminary Elections Bill amends voter registration laws to allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries

Massachusetts is paving the way for the future of democracy by allowing 17-year-olds to cast their votes in primaries!

Learn more here

#MA #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #DemocraticParticipation #YouthVoting

Nine Ohio Counties Collaborate With Universities for Public Discussion Forums Counties engage colleges for public forums ahead of upcoming votes.

Richland County is teaming up with nine universities to host public forums, ensuring your voice is heard before critical votes are cast!

Click to read more!

#RichlandCounty #OH #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #DemocraticParticipation