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Winning Gen Z: Radical media, political access, and the youth vote
Xaviaer DuRousseau analyzes Hasan Piker's influence on young voters and the growing debate over radical media in youth politics.
Why the 2026 election could be the worst midterm for the GOP this century
The Republican Party’s two worst midterm elections in the 21st Century were in 2006 and 2018. In the former, an unpopular Middle Eastern war cost George W. Bush dearly. In 2018, voters balked at the upending of historic norms and chaotic style of a new president named Donald Trump.
How higher education shapes politics
By Andrew Menendez | Contributing Writer In recent elections, mentions of the voter preferences of college-educated voters seem to permeate news surrounding young people—the way most people seem to discuss it is wrong. It has become a general rule in media such as Fox News or The New York Post to frame universities and most […]
Here’s How Trump Is Building a National Citizenship Database to Check Voters
The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to deploy a system that merges personal data from across the government. Questions remain about its reliability.
Supreme Court lets Trump administration use revamped federal voter eligibility database for now
The Supreme Court on Friday lifted restrictions on a controversial federal voter database before November’s elections, granting President Donald Trump a temporary win in his aggressive campaign against noncitizen voting.
Show-Me-State Politics: Missouri voters deciding new ballot issues; judge hears case over book bans in schools
KY3’s Tyler Wayne and KY3 Missouri Capitol Bureau Chief Hannah Falcon discuss this week in Show-Me-State Politics.
Author Sarah Longwell says political character counts in ‘How to Eat an Elephant’
Is the idea of political virtue outdated? What do voters say when asked if character counts? That’s just one of the complicated topics Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group Podcast, tackles in her new book, “How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time.”
Supreme Court lets Trump administration use federal voter eligibility database
The emergency order allows states, for now, to use the Department of Homeland Security program, called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements.
Supreme Court lets Trump administration use federal voter eligibility database
The emergency order allows states, for now, to use the Department of Homeland Security program, called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements.
Supreme Court revives DHS citizenship data tool for voter audits in win for Trump
In a major win for President Donald Trump’s efforts to find non-citizen voters, the Supreme Court on Friday said states can use a controversial citizenship data collection tool for reviewing voter rolls.
Supreme Court allows Trump administration to use expanded database for potential voter purges
Critics have said the data could lead to U.S. citizens being kicked off the voter rolls, but the justices noted the law prohibits broad voter purges in the weeks leading up to an election.
Supreme Court Allows Expansive Federal Database for Voter Screening
Critics of a citizenship database built by the Trump administration have raised alarms about privacy and improper voter purges.
Supreme Court lets Trump administration use revamped federal voter eligibility database for now
The emergency order allows states, for now, to use the Department of Homeland Security program, called Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE,
Ballots from WA voters of color, younger voters challenged most, report says
An analysis by UW researchers says younger voters and voters of color in Washington have their ballots challenged more often.
Can the Left Make America Fun Again?
Hi friends, I’ve got a piece in The New York Times today about how collective joy — participatory, youthful, anti-corporate — can defeat Trumpism and transform our lives. The basic argument is that politics used to be embedded in communal life: dances, sports leagues, union halls. As that infrastructure disappeared — and more of everyday life was atomized and privatized — politics became something broadcast at people rather than something they did together. NYC-DSA and Zohran provide another model, where socials and face-to-face organizing are tied to a fight vs the corporations that fenced off so much of the good life. Rebuilding that kind of collective fun, I argue, could help bring young people back into politics and, by redistributing America’s wealth, make everyday life more joyful. I would super appreciate it if you’d read the piece, share it, or post comments on it. Thank you! p.s. FYI, Opinion writers don’t get any say over their headlines! More Take action to support the fight of licensed deck officers at Alaska Tanker Company and Overseas Shipholding Group to win a first union contract. This is one of the most important, and underreported, unionization campaigns in America: these workers have a huge amount of power over domestic energy distribution and maritime supply chains, and they’re still without a contract two years after having voted overwhelmingly to unionize. Please sign the public petition here, and if you’re an academic you can sign this support letter.
Netanyahu turned the UN into campaign theater – but will Israelis buy the show?
NATIONAL AFFAIRS: The prime minister presents himself on the global stage as a leader uniquely equipped to defend Israel in a hostile world, seeking to bring that same message home to Israeli voters.
India’s ‘cockroach’ movement targets election chief in political pivot
The Gen Z group that forced out an education minister is demanding the election chief’s resignation over alleged voter roll irregularities.
Trump's trade war with Canada adds a challenge in Senate races
The dispute stands to heighten voters' economic worries and add to the GOP's political challenge in dead-heat races, analysts say.
Alaskans Dismayed, But Not Moved, by Peltola’s Treatment of Her Staff
Voters interviewed in Anchorage and Fairbanks on Thursday said news that Mary Peltola, the Democratic nominee for Senate, had used offensive slurs would not change their vote.
Americans are confused and worried about elections. Will that impact turnout?
New polling shows many voters are concerned about the midterms. But prior elections show no clear link between voter concerns and fewer voters actually casting ballots.
Americans are confused and worried about elections. Will that impact turnout?
New polling shows many voters are concerned about the midterms. But prior elections show no clear link between voter concerns and fewer voters actually casting ballots.
Trump’s odd midterm strategy: Give voters the opposite of what they want
There’s a simple way to understand Republicans’ apparent plight ahead of the midterm elections.
League of Women Voters is nonpartisan — and unapologetically political
Every election season, someone asks the same question, usually with a raised eyebrow: "If the League of Women Voters doesn't take sides, why does ...
Campaign finance complaint against Let’s Go Washington dismissed
The conservative political committee is backing three initiatives that voters will consider in November’s general election.
2nd Congressional District: Republican Kelley Dennison
The political newcomer, 27, said she wants more people from her generation, Gen Z, to join the political conversation.
Look up what political districts you live in ahead of the midterm elections
This tool helps you find what races you'll be voting on this 2026 midterm election.
Texas Senate race puts North Texas suburbs in focus ahead of early voting
New reporting shows cracks among some traditionally Republican voters as Ken Paxton and James Talarico battle for suburban support.
Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News Join AACT Now Voter Initiative
Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News have joined AACT Now’s Rally the Vote initiative, using their digital platforms to encourage eligible Rio Grande Valley residents to register to vote and participate in the November 2026 election.
In Alaska, Rowdy Members of Congress Are a Tradition
Revelations about the conduct of former Representative Mary Peltola may not faze voters who have long elected abrasive and sometimes violent figures to represent them.
Senate rejects resolution calling to end the Iran war, as most Republicans stick with Trump
The same resolution passed the House in July as voters say they disapprove of the war and some Republican candidates have distanced themselves from President Donald Trump.
5 Takeaways From a New Poll on the New Hampshire Senate Race
Representative Chris Pappas, a Democrat, leads by five percentage points, according to a New York Times/Siena poll. Voters say they are more interested in a check on President Trump than in a candidate who supports him.
From 15,000 to 185 to Zero: Trump’s Claims of Illegal Voting in Nevada Fizzle
It was the Trump administration’s latest stumble in its effort to find proof of widespread noncitizen voting, despite decades of evidence that it is extremely rare.
From idealists to struggling sceptics: how Labour’s majority depends on five progressive voter types
Analysis reveals five distinct groups with sharply contrasting priorities – and who has drifted the most from Labour towards Greens and Reform
‘The first prediction-market election’: How Kalshi and Polymarket scrambled the midterms
Wagering is affecting nearly every aspect of the midterms — from campaigns to election officials, voters, donors and traders — according to interviews with 20 people involved in elections and prediction sites.
Poll: Voters grow more concerned about capitalism, but they’re still wary of socialism and the DSA
More young voters have positive views of socialism than of capitalism for the first time in NBC News polling.
The Colorado Campaign Finance Voter Jeopardy Game
Colorado’s campaign finance records are not designed for transparency or accountability. Rather, they are political genius tests. To know your political genius score, let’s play Colorado Campaign-Finance Voter Jeopardy! (Drum roll) Host: Welcome to Colorado Campaign-Finance Voter Jeopardy, the game where the answers are public records and the questions are inscrutable. Today’s categories: Common Sense […]
Democrats lead in 2 Pa. swing congressional district races: F&M poll
Pennsylvania voters in two key congressional districts that broke for Republicans in 2024 are moving left, according to results of the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll.
Stelson, Democrats lead in Pennsylvania district races: F&M Poll
Pennsylvania voters in two key congressional districts that broke for Republicans in 2024 are moving left, according to results of the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll.
Proposition 4: Allow public financing of political campaigns
In-depth explanations of California ballot Proposition 4, including pros and cons, endorsements and key arguments to help voters make informed decisions.
State error in Texas creates huge backlog in voter registration applications
In Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, the election office received about 45,000 backlogged voter registration applications.
Trump's focus on noncitizen voting has led to 160 arrests. That shows it's rare, experts say
The Trump administration's whole-of-government effort to find and prosecute noncitizens illegally on state voter rolls has resulted in about 1,600 voter fraud cases that have led to 160 arrests, Homeland Security Investigations senior official Matthew Millhollin said in a press briefing Tuesday.
Lawsuit seeks to block new NC mail-in ballot processes
A coalition of left-leaning groups is suing to block new absentee ballot guidelines approved by the State Board of Elections, arguing that mail-in voters could be disenfranchised.
Voters are turning to AI on politics. Is it up to the task?
Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in how voters get information about politics.
Republicans say Democrats are extremists. These Democrats want to convince voters that's not true
Democrats are trying to win back Congress by criticizing their own party to appeal to voters in more conservative areas.
Talarico works to reach Black voters in his bid to win a US Senate seat as a Democrat in Texas
Democratic Texas U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico is working to reach Black voters, a key demographic in his race against Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton
POLITICS OF AI: Why Emerging Tech Is Shaping the Midterms
Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a core campaign issue ahead of the midterms. As members of Congress pitch voters at home, state leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis are pressing for tougher state-level regulations. Political analyst Dr. Larry Walker joins us to discuss why AI is top of mind for voters.
Isle of Man election: Housing and apathy on the minds of Middle voters
Housing is an election concern for some people in Middle but others are not interested in politics.
Economic Frustration Tests Trump’s Standing With Rural Voters, New KFF-AP Poll Finds
Rural voters rank the cost of living and cost of healthcare as top issues they want to hear about from midterm candidates as they face a tightening pocketbook pinch.
Republican candidates highlight health care in 2026, battling voter distrust
According to the latest NBC News poll, voters trust Democrats over Republicans on health care by 22 points. Three Republican strategists said the GOP is trying to narrow the advantage.
KFF/AP Survey Probes Rural Voters’ Increasing Anxieties About the Rising Cost of Living, Including Health Costs, Heading into the Midterm Elections
Rural voters’ frustrations about the cost of living in their community are growing and appear to be chipping away at Republicans’ enthusiasm to vote as the midterm elections near, a new KFF/AP Survey of Rural Voters finds.
Voters are turning to AI on politics. Is it up to the task?
Artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in how voters get information about politics and elections, raising fresh questions about how the technology could influence the way voters stay in…
Siena poll: Hochul's lead over Blakeman sees little change among likely voters
Likely voters also voiced their opposition to renaming Lake Ontario and large data centers being built near them.
Siena poll: Hochul's lead over Blakeman sees little change among likely voters
Likely voters also voiced their opposition to renaming Lake Ontario and large data centers being built near them.
Voters don’t like data centers. They really don’t like them close to home
Fifty-eight percent of U.S. voters say the construction of new data centers by tech will mostly have a negative effect on the country. And 65% of voters oppose construction in their communities.
Voters trust local election officials. They’re less sure about the mail
At the same time, 75% of voters trust their state or local government to run a fair and accurate election, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll.
Whitesides turns up the heat to connect with fellow politicians, voters
Freshman Rep. George Whitesides may be campaigning for a second term in Congress, but he’s also taking time to turn up the heat on his colleagues – literally.
Democrats accuse Susan Collins of 'corruption' following report on alleged pay-to-play scheme
Collins' office as well as FBI officials have said the allegations — contained in an investigative report from ProPublica — are completely false. But Democrats clearly hope to convince voters otherwise in the final six weeks of the fall election campaign.
Money in San Francisco Politics: Who’s Spending Big on the Election? (Live Event Oct. 8)
Wealthy special interests are ascendant in San Francisco’s political debates, and critics say they are trying to grab more power over elections. How the money-in-politics landscape looks going forward is up to voters. Join the San Francisco Public Press and the League of Women Voters San Francisco for a panel discussion.
Ranked choice voting push reaches Albany, as advocates eye 2027 ballot
Under ranked choice voting, voters rank candidates in order of preference instead of choosing just one.
U.S. Senate, Texas Railroad Commission races remain tight less than month before early voting, TSU poll finds
A second poll, from Texas 2036, shows a large fraction of voters remain undecided, while many intend to split their tickets.
Harris and Newsom start to lose voter excitement even in Calif.
A new poll asked voters about the 2028 chances for the two leading Democrats.
DOJ loses 25th lawsuit seeking voter records as judge tosses WA case
It was the 25th court loss in a row for the Trump administration as it seeks private voter data from states.
Victories by far left and far right show Germans sick of politics as usual
In a striking show of antiestablishment voter sentiment, the Left won in Berlin on the same night that the far-right Alternative for Germany won in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.
Voters, scientists say candidates should dig into environmental issues
Extreme weather events cost taxpayers and impact recreation and health, experts say.
State Question 845: What Oklahoma voters need to know before November 3
The Legislature is asking Oklahoma voters to consider changing the state Constitution to restructure the Judicial Nominating Commission.
Why young Berliners vote overwhelmingly for the socialist Left Party
Berlin's young voters overwhelmingly supported the victorious socialist Left Party. Are the young more radical? Or is that just a reflection of current German politics?
Texas Senate race focuses on high prices — but what can candidates actually do about it?
Affordability has dominated the U.S. Senate race in Texas. Both James Talarico and Ken Paxton have promised to help voters' pocketbooks.
Trump’s tariffs are a political loser
Voters are turning against the president because of tariffs.
‘I Was Sold a Bill of Goods’: Americans and the Distrust Election
Americans have a pervasive sense they are being lied to. That has created an unpredictability in politics unseen since Donald Trump said he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue without losing voters.
Jiang Feng: The Unravelling of German & European Politics
A state election in eastern Germany has become a revealing test of the changing political landscapes of Germany and Europe, writes Jiang Feng, Professor and Chairman of the Council of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies (SAGGAS) at Shanghai International Studies University. His analysis follows the decisive victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) (which has been classified as right-wing extremist by German authorities)in the state of Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, in which it finished far ahead of its mainstream rivals. Jiang previously served as Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Berlin. The following article was published on 8 September 2026 on huanqiu.com, the online platform of the Global Times. On 6 September, the results of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, were announced. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), classified as far-right by German authorities, made history by becoming the largest party in the state parliament, winning 43.8 per cent of the vote — twice its share in the previous election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which had governed the state continuously for 24 years, won just 17.2 per cent, its worst result ever in Saxony-Anhalt. On the night the results were announced, the atmosphere at the CDU gathering was unusually calm. There was neither shock nor argument, as if the defeat had long been expected. Several veteran party members who had spent years working in the state government said: “Defeat is not a bad thing. It is time to make changes.” This state election has not only upended Saxony-Anhalt’s political landscape, but also laid bare the deep tensions between Germany’s traditional party structure and model of governance, on the one hand, and an increasingly polarised society on the other. Its repercussions are already being felt at the federal level, making Saxony-Anhalt a useful case study of the broader trend towards political polarisation and realignment in Europe. Governing Difficulties after Electoral Victory The most immediate consequence of the election is a historic setback for the mainstream party order that took shape in post-war Germany. In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD has leapt from a peripheral party to the largest political force in the state. Its electoral base has expanded beyond the traditional category of “marginal protest voters” to take on the characteristics of a cross-class coalition. The party has not only consolidated its support in rural areas, but also attracted many middle-class voters and even members of the social elite with stable jobs, their own homes, and substantial incomes. It has thus evolved from a “protest party” into one with the potential to govern. Despite its commanding lead in the vote, however, the AfD faces an institutional obstacle to governing the state: the mainstream parties’ long-standing “firewall” against it. Neither of the two potential routes to forming a government appears likely to break the current political deadlock. The first would be a coalition of establishment parties, led by the CDU and bringing together the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, the Left Party (Die Linke) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in a cross-camp government. In terms of parliamentary arithmetic, such a coalition could prevent the AfD from forming a government and preserve the outward stability of the traditional political order. Yet these parties are fundamentally divided over key issues including immigration, the energy transition, economic management, and cultural and education policy. Coalition negotiations would therefore be extremely difficult, and even if a government could be formed, it would most likely prove short-lived. More importantly, an alliance of establishment parties aimed at keeping the largest party out of government would play directly into the AfD’s narrative that “political elites are suppressing public opinion”. It could deepen perceptions of political unfairness, further strengthening the AfD’s political capital, and creating a dynamic in which “the more it is suppressed, the more people vote for it”. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s candidate for state premier, has said that if efforts to form a government fail because other parties refuse to cooperate, the AfD will push for a fresh election, which he believes could deliver the party an absolute majority of seats. This points to more intense political battles ahead. The second option would be a coalition between the AfD and the BSW. Together, the two parties would command a simple majority in parliament, making this, on paper, the quickest route to forming a government. The BSW is the only elected party that has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD, and the two parties share some common ground, including on policy towards Russia. There is therefore a degree of political basis for cooperation. Were such a coalition to materialise, Germany would see its first state government jointly formed by a party defined as far-right and one with a far-left background, creating what might be called a “bipolar anti-establishment alliance”. Such an outcome would fundamentally break with the ideological boundaries of post-war German party politics. It is worth noting that even if the AfD ultimately fails to enter the state government, its roughly 47 per cent share of parliamentary seats would give it a powerful blocking minority. Without its consent, major decisions requiring a two-thirds majority — including constitutional amendments, significant budgetary adjustments, and state-level institutional reforms — would be extremely difficult to pass. Therefore, whoever ultimately forms the government, the AfD will be an unavoidable force in Saxony-Anhalt politics, with a direct influence on the state’s legislative process. Systemic Failures in Germany’s Governance Model The Saxony-Anhalt election result reflects a systemic failure of Germany’s post-war mainstream-party model of governance to adapt to rapidly changing socioeconomic conditions. It stems from multiple, mutually reinforcing structural tensions and highlights the existing political system’s difficulty in adapting to “an increasingly polarised society First, collective anxiety has replaced individual material hardship as a central driver of political mobilisation. The rise of the AfD can no longer be explained simply by poverty or social marginalisation. Its increasingly cross-class electoral base suggests that what is driving voters towards the party is, above all, concern about the broader direction of society. This anxiety about the future of the political community goes beyond individual gains and losses. In political discourse, economic anxiety has become closely intertwined with immigration, while immigration and refugee issues are, in essence, questions of social fairness. This perception turns conflicts over the distribution of social resources into negative assessments of governing parties, providing a broad social basis for far-right political narratives. Second, regional disparities and East German identity have undermined the strategy of addressing eastern Germany’s structural challenges at the regional level. More than three decades after German reunification, eastern states such as Saxony-Anhalt have experienced periods of economic growth, but their underlying economic structures remain weak, and household incomes and wealth remain significantly below those in western Germany. At the same time, they continue to face population outflow, an ageing population, labour shortages, and other structural challenges. At a deeper level, historical experiences — including the collapse of the former East German economic system, mass unemployment during the transition, and the westward shift of decision-making power over major issues — have left some residents with a sense of being “second-class citizens” and of being excluded. For years, the German government treated the “syndrome” of reunification as a regional problem to be gradually addressed at the local level. That approach is becoming increasingly unsustainable, as regional development disparities emerge as a core structural factor shaping national politics. Third, the erosion of institutional trust is perhaps the most decisive factor. AfD supporters tend to distrust establishment institutions, including parliament, government, and the mainstream media. Their concerns about economic security, pensions, and social fairness are significantly greater than the social average. Increasingly, their support for the AfD reflects not an expectation that the existing system can be improved, but a search for an alternative to the current political order. Such a systemic deficit of trust will be extremely difficult for the traditional parties to repair in the short term. Fourth, a generational shift in political mobilisation has amplified political polarisation. Unlike traditional parties, which rely heavily on offline rallies and mainstream media coverage, the AfD has developed a social-media mobilisation strategy built around “raising an issue — identifying who is responsible — offering a simplified solution — building a shared identity”. It turns complex social tensions into concise political narratives, rapidly channelling public sentiment into political support. The contrast on the eve of the election was particularly telling. The establishment parties, together with trade unions and churches, organised an offline march attended by more than 10,000 people, but its reach was largely confined to those present and to traditional media coverage. The AfD held a much smaller indoor event, yet livestreaming on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, combined with the involvement of online influencers, gave it a reach and mobilising capacity far beyond that of the march. The contrast illustrates how the traditional parties’ methods of political mobilisation are increasingly struggling to keep pace with a political environment transformed by changes in media technology. A Microcosm of Structural Political Change in Europe The shockwaves from the Saxony-Anhalt election quickly travelled beyond the state to the federal level. Calls for political accountability followed immediately after the results were announced. The governing CDU and SPD are now under enormous pressure, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil face an unprecedented test. Political polarisation in Germany is no longer simply a regional phenomenon. The post-war model of multiparty government by establishment parties is breaking down and being reshaped. Viewed in a broader European context, the Saxony-Anhalt election is part of a continent-wide wave of party polarisation, mainstream-party decline, and rising right-wing forces. Far from an isolated phenomenon, it is a microcosm of the structural political changes unfolding across Europe. Weak economic growth, cultural tensions over immigration, and declining trust in institutions are fuelling the rise of right-wing forces in several countries, challenging the liberal internationalist order established in post-war Europe. As a core member state of the European Union, Germany’s ability to adapt its political system and the direction of its politics will have profound implications for both European integration and the evolution of the international order. Subscribe [ Pekingnology China’s Germany watchers take stock of Berlin’s uneasy turn On 7 December 2025, nearly 50 Chinese scholars and policy researchers gathered in Beijing for the 2025年德国形势年终研讨会 “2025 Year-End Seminar on the Situation in Germany… Read more 9 months ago · 31 likes · 1 comment · YIRUI LI and Yuxuan JIA ](https://www.pekingnology.com/p/chinas-germany-watchers-take-stock?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1151841) [ Jiang Feng on Germany's 2025 and beyond: no easy exit ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond) Yirui LI and Yuxuan JIA · Jan 24 The following is an op-ed by Jiang Feng, published on 29 December 2025 at Shanghai Observer 上观新闻, the digital platform of Jiefang Daily, the official newspaper of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). [ Read full story ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond)
Remind me again why we are voting on such things?
I should warn you, dear readers, that today’s column deals with two subjects that are often viewed as both boring and tedious: tax policy and voter initiatives. If you find such things interesting, please read on. If not, consider watching funny cat videos. Where was I? Oh, right … Anyone who has read my various […]
Voters cite political climate, economy and homelessness as Oregon governor race nears
With Oregon’s governor race 43 days away, voters tell KATU they’re uneasy about the political climate. Fears about inflation, Social Security, homelessness and vote-by-mail shape the debate.
Voting groups sound alarm on funding shortfalls that they say could affect midterm turnout
Several of the nation’s largest left-leaning voter engagement and racial justice organizations are facing steep funding shortfalls and staffing cutbacks.
Trump and the GOP lose a key edge with voters: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Elon Musk’s under-the-radar midterm role.
Record share of voters motivated to oppose Trump in midterms, poll finds
In a new NBC News survey, 43 percent of registered voters said they want their vote for Congress this fall to send “a signal of opposition” to the president.
Florida’s Minimum Wage is Rising Sept 30: Is Your Business Ready to Comply?
Florida employers need to prepare for a minimum wage hike to $15 an hour on September 30. And if you have tipped employees, you’ll need to pay them at least $11.98. This is the last of the annual increases voters approved in 2020. We’ll tell you what’s changing and the steps you should consider taking now to comply.
NBC 5/Telemundo 39 station group Texas voter poll
Economy and inflation are top issues according to likely voters surveyed in the NBC 5 Dallas/Telemundo Station Group Texas Voter Poll. NBC 5’s Larry Collins and Phil Prazan tell us the details.
Native voters face barriers long before they reach the ballot box, report says
The Native American Rights Fund found disparities in voter registration, mail-in ballots, and other stages of voting in Native communities, even 60 years after the Voting Rights Act.
This Week: Phone Bank for Transit, SF Politics, Transit Tales
Here is a list of events this week. Monday/today! Phone bank with SFBike to Save Transit. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is phone banking and connecting with voters, explaining how vital it is to pass the Regional Transit Measure this November. Join them to help make sure our regional transit survives and thrives. Monday/today, September 21, 5-7 p.m. San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Office, 1720 Market Street, S.F. Tuesday Historic Photo Exhibit Tour. Moving San Francisco is a collaboration between the SFMTA and San Francisco Arts Commission and is on view at City Hall through November 25. During this informal tour, they will take an in-depth look at selected photos from San Francisco transit history and learn more about the stories and people behind them. Tuesday, September 22, 5-7:45 p.m. North Light Court inside City Hall, One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, S.F. Tuesday San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting. SF Bicycle Coalition members are invited to attend all board meetings. Tuesday, September 22, 6-8 p.m. Register for Zoom link. Tuesday SF Politics 101 with Joel Engardio. SF Politics 101 is a look at how local politics work and the history that shaped San Francisco—brought to life with visuals and narrative storytelling. Tuesday, September 22, 6-7:15 p.m. SPUR Urban Center, 654 Mission Street, S.F. Register to attend. Wednesday Transit Tales: A Storytelling Night. Join SPUR and Muni Diaries at Local Economy for an evening of true stories inspired by riding transit. From unexpected encounters and meet-cutes to funny mishaps and heartfelt moments, Transit Tales celebrates the experiences that make public transportation unforgettable. Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Local Economy, 6028 College Ave, Oakland. Saturday Group Ride: Richmond BART to Point Pinole. Join Bike East Bay for a family-friendly, no-drop group ride to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Saturday, September 26, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Starts at Richmond BART Plaza, 1600 Nevin Plaza, Richmond. Saturday Shipwreck Cove Opening. Come see Sunset Dunes’s newest playground. Saturday, September 26, 3 p.m., Sunset Dunes and Kirkham, S.F. Saturday 55 Wine Line Progressive. Ride between Horsies Market & Saloon, Bar Part Time and Ruby Wine on the 55 Dogpatch bus. Saturday, September 26. Three locations in Dogpatch. See SFMTA site for more details on locations and times. Got an event we should know about? Drop us a line.
Main Kremlin party keeps control of Russian parliament after a carefully orchestrated vote
At a polling station in the Russian-held part of the Donetsk region, voters dropped their ballots in a box under the gaze of an armed Russian soldier.
AI, data centers and tech money take center stage in rematch for 4th Congressional District
Democrat Val Hoyle is in a rematch with Republican retired Air Force Colonel Monique DeSpain, in the race to represent Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. This time around, however, candidates are facing voters' worries about artificial intelligence.
North Dakota Supreme Court races are nonpartisan, but Republicans play a big role
North Dakota voters have a rare contest for a state Supreme Court seat this fall, one that raises questions about Republican politics in the nonpartisan race.
Despite court wins, California election war with Trump rages on
L.A. County says it has received federal grand jury subpoenas demanding voter registration information on dozens of individuals the Trump administration suspects may not be U.S. citizens.
Ads challenging a candidate are one thing. Dehumanizing someone is another: The Readers Write
Ohio voters report widespread frustration with negative political ads, citing concerns over dehumanizing attacks, excessive spending, and the impact on children and voter engagement.
Whether you like it or not, celebrities have an impact on politics
The global groundswell of support for Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy serves to remind us that maybe celebrity activism really is that deep after all, writes Cheek’s Varsha Yajman. Subscribe In the last week, publications, podcasts, and influencers that have either rarely or never spoken about Israel’s genocide in Palestine have flooded my social feed. And it was all because singer Ed Sheeran and his team dropped Macklemore as his opener for saying “Free Palestine” on stage. Millions raised, millions speaking up in support of Palestine - all of this confirming my view that, whether I like it or not, celebrities do have an impact on political outcomes. And this is interesting when much of the time celebrity activism can induce an eye roll - I love to see Charli XCX pointing out a Palestinian flag in the crowd, but it’s hardly the bold symbol of allyship that some fans would make it out to be. But there’s a line between healthy scepticism and outright dismissal - and I’d argue that the latter lets the rich and powerful off far too easily. For instance, actress Jennifer Lawrence, once outspoken about her political views, last year told The Times she no longer believes celebrities have a role to play: “Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.” While it’s a narrative she might find comfort in, it simply is not true. Grassroots movements often garner worldwide attention when celebrities and other high-profile spokespeople bring a mainstream platform to their causes. And this frustrates me. We have had three years of a live-streamed genocide. Macklemore himself has been calling for a Free Palestine long before he booked the Sheeran concert. Yet it’s the high-profile fallout of the last week that finally seems to have made saying “Free Palestine” socially acceptable in the mainstream. It feels like the collective mood has shifted, where calling out censorship is now the obvious response - not just the business of ‘radical’ activists. To recap, Sheeran’s decision followed an ultimatum from billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, one of the venues Sheeran was scheduled to perform at: either drop Macklemore as your opener after only two of the eight scheduled shows, or you do not play at any stadiums. Sheeran’s disappointing decision to stand on the side of billionaire-led censorship has ultimately seen a surge in support for Free Palestine. It began when all his openers and his backing band pulled out of Sheeran’s tour, in solidarity with Macklemore and with the Palestinian cause. It was met with an uproar of support from those who had never or barely touched politics before: influencers lip-syncing to Macklemore’s music, singers like Jack Antonoff singing “Free Palestine,” and publications and podcasts standing with Macklemore. And finally, we saw material support: Macklemore donated $1 million in profits from his two nights opening for Sheeran’s tour to several Palestinian aid groups and called for Sheeran and Kraft to match it, which they have since promised to do. We’ve also seen children’s entertainer Ms Rachel follow suit with a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid, and publication PopBase has donated $10,000. Anera, a humanitarian aid group working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, said donations since Macklemore’s announcement were more than triple this month’s daily average. The group’s Instagram page has also gained 8,000 followers. Macklemore far from the first celebrity to speak and participate in politics in the Western World. In 1924, singer Al Jolson supported Republican candidate Warren G. Harding for president, and decades later, celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Aretha Franklin voiced their public support for the Civil Rights movement. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2024 US election, ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah partnered with the organisation Power the Polls to recruit poll workers to address shortages- a problem disproportionately affecting voters of colour. The campaign saw 170,000 new sign-ups - 35,000 of which came directly through the TV show’s link - resulting in the recruitment of 713,000 total poll workers that year, an almost three-fold increase on the organisation’s goal. Alongside recruiting workers, celebrities in the US (where voting in elections is not compulsory) have made a huge difference by calling for people to register to vote. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 saw over 400,000 visitors on the voter registration site within 24 hours of her Instagram post. In 2023, Swift had urged her fans to register, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. Similarly, Ariana Grande promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at concerts on the American leg of her tour, resulting in over 33,000 voters registering. And the same thing is happening closer to home. This year, musician Jack River successfully called for government action to ensure creatives in Australia do not have their work scraped by generative AI companies. Celebrity as the mediator between the punter and the politician Celebrity activism isn’t just a feel-good news story - research tells us it actually makes a difference. By directing attention to issues affecting the average person, like voting inaccessibility or a lack of action on a genocide, researchers Alfred Archer and Amanda Cawston state that “celebrities can play a useful bridging role between political elites and the people they represent”. Alternatively, in a world where talking about politics is “not cool,” or where people lack exposure or knowledge to engage with politics, celebrities can act as an educational resource or an entry point into the political world - when they speak up about an issue, their audience gets exposed to it. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is a perfect example. Rodrigo partnered with twelve organisations focused on women’s issues, such as reproductive rights. These organisations had stalls at the festival for people to meet them and were also featured heavily on social media, giving their issues global attention and raising $20 million for the organisations. We have also seen celebrities at award shows such as the Emmys wearing F*CK ICE pins, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment and detainment of people - generally people of colour. When celebrities speak up about political issues in public forums, they put the issue at the forefront of mainstream media, rally their supporters, and make it clear that, however much they disagree, the government cannot simply ignore it. Our over-reliance on celebrities versus our politicians As much as I love seeing my favourite celebrity use their platform for a good cause, there is an important question to ask: not whether celebrity activism is good or bad, but whether we should have to rely on celebrities. And the answer would, in an ideal world, be no. In an ideal world, or merely a just world, action on Palestine would’ve happened decades ago, climate change would be taken seriously, and most importantly, people would understand their democratic rights. However, that is not our reality. Only around 28 per cent of Australian Year 10 students reach proficiency in civics and citizenship. In the US, almost two-thirds of people under 30 say high school civics education didn’t prepare them to understand voting deadlines, how to research candidates, or how to vote by mail. When civics education is weak, our trust in these institutions and our understanding of change-making processes also decline. This is where celebrity steps in and becomes our main source of reliance. As Mary R. Connelly notes in _The Tartan, “_Celebrities will always be involved in campaigns in one form or another, but their presence is not what causes people to vote blindly. The lack of political engagement and literacy is what allows celebrities to wield their influence on the political sphere so impactfully.” About the author Varsha Yajman is the Digital Content Producer at Cheek Media. She is a youth advocate and lawyer with a background in climate litigation and is passionate about looking at the intersection between race, climate justice, and mental health. Thanks for reading Cheek Media Co. ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share
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