Podcasts about democracy north carolina

Today we're diving into the sixth of our eight-part series, exploring how nonprofits champion democracy and protect voting rights. We'll unpack the strategies these organizations use to advocate for democratic participation while operating within the law. This conversation feels especially urgent as we see acceleration to challenges to voting rights and democratic institutions in 2025.   Attorneys for this episode   Tim Mooney  Natalie Ossenfort Susan Finkle Sourlis    Shownotes Current Events / Executive Orders ·      Trump Administration Directives on Voting & Civil Rights o   Disbanded the DOJ Voting Rights Section's Election Monitoring Program. o   Rescinded Biden executive order promoting federal agency voter registration partnerships o   Halted implementation of interagency plans for voter access through social service agencies, and redirecting the Election Assistance Commission to implement draconian requirements outside the scope of its mission his authority over it. ·      Impact on Vulnerable Communities o   Revoked supporting access to the ballot for voters with disabilities and non-English speakers. o   Pressured USPS to deprioritize ballot delivery during election periods and issued an EO that attempts to reject mail in ballots postmarked on Election Day but received afterward.   Nonlobbying Advocacy Although you may consider this an off year for federal elections (but many local and state elections are happening this year)  – now is the time to work to ensure the protection of voting rights for the future. Advocacy can take many forms, lobbying is just one form. There are many ways organizations can advocate for change to ensure democracy and voting rights are secure. Organizing, educating the public, conducting research, executive branch and regulatory activities, working with your local state board of elections, trainings and litigation just to name a few way.   Here are some ways organizations have undertake ·      Educate the Public o   Democracy North Carolina launched a digital explainer on redistricting and gerrymandering for community audiences, and engaged in election protection work. This included monitoring polling stations for long lines, problems with voting, voting misinformation. ·      Hold a Rally or Event o   Detroit Action organized “Halloween Early Vote,” a trunk or treat in a historically underrepresented part of Detroit, promoting civic pride, early voting… and candy. ·      Litigation as Advocacy o   Campaign Legal Center and Southern Poverty Law Center sued Louisiana for new proof of citizenship documentation as a violation of federal law. o   League of United Latin American Citizens, the League of Women Voters Education Fund, the Democratic National Committee and others sued to overturn Trump's federal elections executive order, successfully enjoining some of the more egregious parts of it. Foundation-Funded Advocacy ·      Public and private foundations can fund 501(c)(3) nonpartisan voter engagement activities that do not support or oppose candidates for public office. ·      Special rules for private foundations re: voter registration drives (grants must be for nonpartisan VR drives conducted in 5 or more states over multiple election cycles), but community foundations can fund VR even for small, local, grassroots organizations. ·      Ford Foundation and Carnegie Corporation of New York have supported nonpartisan voter education and rights litigation to strengthen democracy and public trust in government.   Lobbying ·      Legislative Wins o   New York: Enacted the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, pushed through with support from a coalition including Legal Defense Fund and Citizen Action of NY o   New Mexico: Passed legislation mandating automatic and same-day voter registration following lobbying by ProgressNow NM and allies. ·      Ballot Measures Protecting Voting Rights o   Michigan Proposal 2 (2022): Guaranteed early voting and drop boxes; supported by Voters Not Politicians and League of Women Voters of Michigan. o   Arizona: Local advocates, including Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), defeated multiple voter suppression ballot initiatives. o   Nevada: Voters passed automatic voter registration (2018) and expanded it further in 2022 with strong nonprofit support. Resources ·      Democracy & Equity: The Advocacy Playbook for Democracy and Voting Rights ·      Public Charities Can Lobby (Factsheet) ·      Practical Guidance: what your nonprofit needs to know about lobbying in your state ·      Investing in Change: A Funder's Guide to Supporting Advocacy ·      What is Advocacy? 2.0 ·      Seize the initiative

In this special Women's History Month episode of Built By Us, we sat down with Julia Hawes, Communications Director at Democracy North Carolina, for a candid conversation on Women's History Month. Hear from Julia directly as she reflects on the women who inspire her, the role of Women's History Month in the fight for social justice, and the nuances of what being a woman means to her.Support the showFollow Us on Social MediaFacebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolinaInstagram: @democracyncTikTok: @democracyncX: @democracync

In this moving episode of Built By Us, we spotlight the remarkable journey of Linda Sutton, a trailblazer in justice and equity from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a regional organizer for Democracy North Carolina, Linda shares her decades-long dedication to voter registration, labor organizing, and environmental justice. From her upbringing near tobacco factories to her leadership in unions and community coalitions, Linda's story exemplifies resilience, love, and the fight for a better tomorrow.This episode is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the countless individuals, like Linda, who continue to carry the torch of justice.Support the showFollow Us on Social MediaFacebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolinaInstagram: @democracyncTikTok: @democracyncX: @democracync

On this show, we discuss the rules, procedures, and processes for exercising the Right to Vote in the General Election in North Carolina on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Our guest is Marques Thompson, Organizing Director at Democracy North Carolina.

In this episode, Co-host Diane Little and Dr. Rita interview Robert Dawkins political director and organizer and Robert Dawkins of Action NC. Robert sheds tremendous insight on why the solutions we find to social issues seem to always miss the mark: there is the disconnect between people in communities, academics, donors, and legislators that results in ineffective solutions birthed from bad research. In a refreshing conversation about real lives, data, and laws, Robert puts in lay terms the importance of trauma-informed research (stop asking us to tell the same traumatizing stories), the importance of lived experience (no parachuting researchers and donors), and mixed-method approaches (we need experiences and stories). He also offers up the disconnect that many Black men feel with the Democratic party: its fixation on incarceration alienates everyday Black men who would like to focus on something else. Our political moment: Robert also shares some of the good things about Preemption and Dillon law--State standards that are generally wielded by conservatives to constrain progressive cities but that have some perks for progressives as well. Robert Dawkins is the founder & State Organizer for SAFE Coalition NC which is a project of Action NC and made up of over 15 community-based advocacy groups working to end discriminatory profiling and promote civil liberty protections for all North Carolina residents. Before starting SAFE Coalition NC, Robert worked for 7 year with Democracy North Carolina as the Western NC Field Organizer where his work centered on organizing communities of color on the issues of voter rights, voter access and ending voter disenfranchisement.  Robert was the Head Organizer for the Charlotte chapter of ACORN for 3 years where he worked in low to moderate income neighborhoods building neighborhood capacity, neighborhood power and on leadership development. Robert has a B.A in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Robert was a selected as a Charlottean of the Year in 2019 by Charlotte Magazine. ResourcesDillon law and preemption Robert Dawkins and Defund the police podcast  Podcast with Rep Autry Robert's organization Action NC Originally recorded on April 23, 2024.Support the Show.To recomend a guest contact us at: media@FierroConsultingllc.com To support Collective Power join our Patreon

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for March 14, 2024NC Legislature's Stripping of Governor's Appointment Power to Election Boards Overturned; SCOTUS Decision Expected in SC Gerrymandering CaseA North Carolina appeals court struck down the state legislature's new law removing the governor's appointment power for election boards.  And a decision in a South Carolina gerrymandering case from the U.S. Supreme Court may be released shortly.To view the whole script of today's report, please go to our website.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:American Democracy Minute - North Carolina Legislature Overrides Governor's Vetoes of Voter Suppression and State Election Board BillsDemocracy Docket - North Carolina Court Strikes Down New Election Law That Would Strip Power From Democratic GovernorScotus Blog - Justices question finding that S.C. district was unconstitutional racial gerrymanderBallotPedia - Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACPGroups Taking Action:Voto Latino, Down Home North Carolina, North Carolina Black Alliance, Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Voter, ACLU North Carolina,  NAACP Legal Defense Fund, ACLU, Constitutional Accountability CenterPlease follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #NorthCarolinaPolitics #SouthCarolinaPolitics #Racial Gerrymandering  #VotingRights  #SCOTUS

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Jan. 29, 2024Mixed News for North Carolina Voters, as Federal Courts Temporarily Block Voter Suppression Bill but Uphold Racially Gerrymandered MapsOpinions in two North Carolina cases offer both good democracy news and bad.   A sweeping voter suppression bill was temporarily blocked, but a gerrymandered state senate map diluting Black voting power was upheld.Our podcasting host recently made changes which stops us from including our entire script as part of the podcast content.  To view the whole script, please go to our website and find today's report.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:American Democracy Minute - North Carolina Legislature Overrides Governor's Vetoes of Voter Suppression and State Election Board BillsNorth Carolina Newsline - Federal judge blocks part of Republicans' new election lawDemocracy Docket - Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Provision of North Carolina Voter Suppression LawNorth Carolina Newsline - Federal judge denies Black voters' request to throw out new Senate districts in northeastern NCDemocracy Docket - Federal Judge Declines to Block New North Carolina Senate Map for 2024 Elections Groups Taking Action:Voto Latino, Down Home North Carolina, North Carolina Black Alliance, Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Voter, ACLU North CarolinaPlease follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #VoterSuppression #HB747 #FairMaps #VotingRights #VotingRightsAct #NorthCarolinaPolitics

This week's episode features a panel recorded live at the fiftieth anniversary celebration of Southern Exposure magazine, held in March at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Wilson Library. The panel, which reflects on the founding of the Institute for Southern Studies and the creation of Southern Exposure, features Sue Thrasher, a co-founder of the Institute who later worked at the Highlander Center; Leah Wise, one of the Institute's early staff members and later the director of Southerners for Economic Justice; and Bob Hall, the founding editor of Southern Exposure, who spent many years at the Institute and was the longtime executive director of Democracy North Carolina. It is moderated by Chip Hughes, an early Institute staffer himself and occupational health and safety organizer before a career in public health. Produced in partnership with the Institute for Southern Studies. Show Notes: Episode transcription: https://www.facingsouth.org/2023/11/why-we-did-what-we-did-reflections-sue-thrasher-leah-wise-and-bob-hall Visit the Southern Exposure digital archive: https://www.facingsouth.org/southern-exposure A note from the archives editor: https://www.facingsouth.org/2023/03/archive-time-crisis More about the 50th anniversary event: https://www.facingsouth.org/2023/03/gathering-marks-half-century-southern-exposures-founding

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Oct. 24, 2023The North Carolina Legislature's Congressional Maps Go From Gerrymandered to Fair to Even More Gerrymandered in Two YearsOct.19th, the North Carolina Senate Redistricting Committee presented its latest Congressional redistricting maps.  After three years of wrangling, including two state supreme court cases and a U.S. Supreme Court case, it's now MORE gerrymandered than its original 2021 map.Our podcasting host recently made changes which stops us from including our entire script as part of the podcast content.  To view the whole script, please go to our website and find today's report.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:FiveThirtyEight - Analysis of North Carolina's 2021 and 2022 Congressional Redistricting MapsBrennan Center for Justice - Moore v. Harper, ExplainedNorth Carolina Legislature - LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING BallotPedia - North Carolina Supreme Court vacates state's congressional, legislative maps NC Newsline - Plans for new NC congressional districts would elect more Republicans to CongressWFAE Public Radio - After aggressive gerrymandering, a look at what's next and who is 'toast' in North CarolinaAssociated Press - North Carolina Republicans pitch Congress maps that could help them pick up 3 or 4 seats next yearGroups Taking Action:Common Cause NC, Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Black Alliance, Action NC, League of Women Voters NC Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!#Democracy  #DemocracyNews  #Gerrymandering #RacialGerrymandering #FairMaps #NorthCarolinaPolitics 

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Oct. 17, 2023North Carolina Legislature Overrides Governor's Vetoes of Voter Suppression and State Election Board BillsWe have updates on two North Carolina election bills designed to consolidate partisan power.  HB 747 and 749 were vetoed by the governor, but overridden by the legislature on Oct. 10th.  Today's LinksArticles & Resources:American Democracy Minute - With a Partisan State Supreme Court and Veto-Proof Majority, North Carolina Legislature Poised to Take Control of the State Election BoardNorth Carolina Legislature – Ratified Text for SB 749Associated Press – N.C. legislature gives final OK to election board changes; governor's veto expectedDemocracy Docket – Ignoring 62% of Voters, North Carolina Republicans Overhaul Elections Board With Senate Bill 749Democracy Docket - Unpacking North Carolina Republicans' Voter Suppression Bill S.B. 747The Carolina Journal - NC legislature adds to growing list of overridden Cooper vetoes: elections, energy, and regulatory reformWRAL - Voting rights groups sue over new NC elections law, seeking to block changes for 2024NC Newsline - Overriding Gov. Cooper's vetoes, the NC legislature makes it harder to vote, easier to pollute.Groups Taking Action:Voto Latino, Down Home North Carolina, North Carolina Black Alliance, Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Voter, ACLU North Carolina===Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #NorthCarolinaPolitics #VoterSuppression #FreedomtoVote #

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Sept. 29, 2023With a Partisan State Supreme Court and Veto-Proof Majority, North Carolina Legislature Poised to Take Control of the State Election BoardIn August, we reported on the North Carolina legislature's SB 749, stripping the power of the governor to appoint members of the State Board of Elections and giving it to the legislature.  Last week, the bill passed the state senate.  It's likely to be vetoed, but will be overridden by a legislature flexing its new veto-proof majority. Our podcasting host recently made changes which stops us from including our entire script as part of the podcast content.  To view the whole script, please go to our website and find today's report.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:WRAL - (2018) Voter ID, three other amendments pass; power shift proposals defeatedCNN - GOP-controlled North Carolina Supreme Court reverses rulings that struck down partisan gerrymanders by Republican lawmakersAssociated Press - Party switch gives GOP veto-proof control in North CarolinaNorth Carolina Legislature - Ratified Text for SB 749 Associated Press - N.C. legislature gives final OK to election board changes; governor's veto expectedDemocracy Docket - Ignoring 62% of Voters, North Carolina Republicans Overhaul Elections Board With Senate Bill 749Groups Taking Action:North Carolina Black Alliance, Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Voter, ACLU North Carolina===Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #NorthCarolinaPolitics #ElectionSubversion #SB747 #SB749

American Democracy Minute Radio Report for August 18, 2023Under the Cloak of “Election Integrity,” North Carolina Legislature Overhauls Election System; Override of Governor's Expected Veto LikelyThe North Carolina legislature approved a so-called “election integrity” bill late Wednesday, making it harder to vote by mail, employing provisional ballots for election day registrants, implementing new polling place observer rules, and allowing voters to challenge the mail ballots of other voters.   Our podcasting host recently made changes which stops us from including our entire script as part of the podcast content.  To view the whole script, please go to our website and find today's report.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:Democracy Docket - North Carolina Republicans Introduce Election Bill Influenced by GOP OperativesWRAL - Sweeping election law changes moving forward again in NC legislature, ahead of 2024 electionsWRAL - Local election officials say proposed NC election changes would be 'disruptive'North Carolina Legislature - Final version of SB 747WGHP - Few amendments, many questions: North Carolina's expanded voting law headed for Gov. Roy Cooper's deskGroups Taking Action:North Carolina Black Alliance, Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Voter, ACLU North CarolinaPlease follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #NCPolitics #VoterSuppression #FreedomtoVote

North Carolina Bill Proposes Stripping Appointment Power from the Governor to Change Election Board Balance and Exploit DeadlocksToday's Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) Today's Links now below the scriptYou're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.We recently reported on SB 747, a sweeping North Carolina voter suppression bill apparently ghost-written by a group with ties to the attempted overturning of the 2020 presidential election.  Another bill just filed would strip election power from the Governor and election director and give it to the legislature, and fundamentally change how the North Carolina State Board of Elections is chosen. WRAL reports the Governor currently appoints the five person bipartisan board with a maximum of three from one party. SB 749 changes that to an equal board with four members of each party, appointed by the legislature, not the Governor.  Problem is, a deadlock could mean that either party could derail critical election decisions, such as approving early voting locations or interpretation of rules.  If the choice of the board's chair deadlocks, the bill empowers the Republican-dominated legislature to make the appointment. The changes also apply to county boards of elections, to which the legislature appoints two members of each party.  Again, if a chair is not chosen . . . wait for it . . . the legislature makes the appointment instead.  In addition to stripping power from the Governor, the bill also limits the current power of the board's executive elections director, tasked with running the state's elections and making executive decisions to help people vote in emergencies - such as  pandemics and hurricanes. We have articles and the text of the bill at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org, I'm Brian Beihl.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:North Carolina Legislature - Proposed Committee Version of SB 749WRAL - New elections bill filed in NC would make big changes for 2024WRAL - Elections overhaul poised to advance in NC legislature amid protests by voting rights advocatesWRAL - NC's most popular way of voting could grind to halt if new elections bill passes, critics sayGroups Taking Action:North Carolina Black Alliance, Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Voter, ACLU North Carolina===Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgGet ADM Radio Report email!  Sign up here!#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #VotingRights 

North Carolina Legislators Propose Boilerplate Bills Suppressing Mail-in and Election Day Registration Voters Today's Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) Today's Links now below the scriptYou're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.We're in North Carolina today awaiting action by the U.S. Supreme Court on Moore vs. Harper, the Independent State Legislature theory test case, and we just learned about a new bill shortening mail-in ballot deadlines and implementing provisional ballots for election-day registrants.A ruling from the high court is expected this week or next on Moore v. Harper, the fringe constitutional theory that state legislatures have ultimate power over election law, even over gubernatorial vetoes and court decisions.  New anti-democracy legislation has also been filed in North Carolina, using boilerplate bills drafted by a group that Raleigh's WRAL reports is run by Cleta Mitchell, head of former President Trump's legal team attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.   The proposed legislation requires receipt of mail-in ballots by 7:30 pm election day, rather than the third day after, and implements two-factor identification for mail ballots.   It would allow “challenges” to voter eligibility by other precinct voters, a voter suppression tactic and a burden for election workers.   The bill also requires voters registering on election day to use a provisional ballot, and not count it until the voter's address is verified by mail or additional documents are provided.Despite little or no evidence of fraud, politicians backing such voter suppression legislation claim it allays public doubt about elections – doubt of their own making.We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org, I'm Brian Beihl.Today's LinksArticles & Resources:The Guardian - US supreme court end-of-term decisions could transform key areas of public lifeThe Brennan Center for Justice - Moore v. Harper, ExplainedDemocracy Docket - North Carolina Republicans Introduce Election Bill Influenced by GOP OperativesWRAL - NC lawmakers expected to roll out major election law changes, with input from former Trump lawyerNorth Carolina Legislature - SB 747 as IntroducedGroups Taking Action:Common Cause NC, Democracy North Carolina, North Carolina Black Alliance, Action NC, League of Women Voters NC ---Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgGet ADM Radio Report email!  Sign up here!#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #VotingRights

Decision in Harper v. Hall Leaves North Carolinians with No Protection from GerrymanderingToday's Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) You're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.We've been following the scary Moore v. Harper and Harper v. Hall gerrymandering cases out of North Carolina for months now. A decision Friday in the Hall case likely greenlighted MORE rigged voting districts.Just last year, a North Carolina Supreme Court with a different political makeup struck down the legislature's Congressional, state house and state senate maps as violating the state constitution. In the midterms, conservative-leaning justices won back control of the court, and in a highly-irregular and partisan action, the new court agreed to rehear the Hall case at the request of GOP state leaders. In its new decision Friday, the court ruled that the previous court's interpretation has moved to, QUOTE, “... one where the majority of justices insert their own opinions and effectively rewrite the constitution,” UNQUOTE  It reversed the 2022 decisions, giving the legislature full authority to redraw the maps as they see fit, expected this summer.The decision leaves North Carolinians with no protections from partisan manipulation of their voting maps.  With the court's ceding power to a legislature with a veto-proof majority, the gerrymanders are likely to get worse.Justice Anita Earls said in her dissent that the majority, QUOTE, “...Tells North Carolinians that the state constitution and the courts cannot protect their basic human right to self-governance and self-determination.”   More tomorrow on its impact on the Moore v. Harper case.  We have articles and links to the decision at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.   I'm Brian Beihl.Articles & Resources:Democracy Docket - (Background) North Carolina Congressional Redistricting Challenge (SCOTUS)Democracy Docket - North Carolina Supreme Court GOP Majority Permits Partisan Gerrymandering and Reverses Prior Decisions in Redistricting LawsuitJurist - North Carolina Supreme Court holds that it had no authority to strike down redistricting maps last yearPolitico - North Carolina Supreme Court clears way for partisan gerrymanderingNPR - A North Carolina court overrules itself in a case tied to a disputed election theorySupreme Court of North Carolina  (via Democracy Docket) - Opinion in Harper v. HallGroups Taking Action:Common Cause NC, NC League of Conservation Voters, Democracy North Carolina, NC Black Alliance,  League of Women Voters NCPlease follow us on Facebook and Twitter and SHARE!  Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org#Democracy  #DemocracyNews

Host: Kevin Smith Dives into the weekly news most impactful to the HeartlandHEADLINESElection deniers face a nationwide wave of pushback MSN - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/election-deniers-face-a-nationwide-wave-of-pushbacks/ar-AA17widQVoices against Republican push to make it harder to amend the Missouri constitution gain conservative support StL Today - https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/gop-bid-to-make-it-harder-to-amend-missouri-constitution-draws-conservative-opposition/article_0a88a4ee-3bf9-5fd4-a0f2-a186f774149a.htmlLIGHTNING ROUNDAlabamaBuild a better catfishOutdoor Life - https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/alligator-catfish-hybrid-alabama/?fbclid=IwAR3aRzF2ieI5BLrwpolXdPEQ1tYVXMPdQfVfxqLubGtRDxr-IKTHzvlucGE&mibextid=Zxz2cZKentuckyTrigger ban on abortion to remain in effect. Lexington Herald Leader - https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article272525366.htmlIowa Asset limit for SNAPIowa Capital Dispatch - https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/02/15/bill-could-make-iowans-with-cars-savings-ineligible-for-snap-medicaid/KansasLegislators seek to erase trans peoples legally.PBS - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/kansas-push-to-define-sex-decried-as-erasing-transgender-peopleGOP disdain for small governmentKansas Reflector - https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/kansas-cities-push-back-against-house-bill-nullifying-local-anti-discrimination-ordinances/MissouriRockwood fires back against racist parent. KMOX - https://www.audacy.com/kmox/articles/news/school-responds-to-complaint-about-book-on-black-astronautBlack leaders rally.AP - https://apnews.com/article/politics-mississippi-st-louis-missouri-813d91d638a6822fdfbeb613ea523f53Missouri's Don't Say Gay Law ABC - https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-missouri-bill-takes-dont-gay-law/story?id=96977642OklahomaParental Rights still at stake post Marriage Equality The 19th - https://19thnews.org/2023/02/oklahoma-judge-parental-rights-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage/South CarolinaNikki Haley shows love for neo-confederates.Meidas Touch - https://twitter.com/MeidasTouch/status/1625639934999797760

Host: Kevin Smith Dives into the weekly news most impactful to the HeartlandHEADLINESElection deniers face a nationwide wave of pushback MSN - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/election-deniers-face-a-nationwide-wave-of-pushbacks/ar-AA17widQVoices against Republican push to make it harder to amend the Missouri constitution gain conservative support StL Today - https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/gop-bid-to-make-it-harder-to-amend-missouri-constitution-draws-conservative-opposition/article_0a88a4ee-3bf9-5fd4-a0f2-a186f774149a.htmlLIGHTNING ROUNDAlabamaBuild a better catfishOutdoor Life - https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/alligator-catfish-hybrid-alabama/?fbclid=IwAR3aRzF2ieI5BLrwpolXdPEQ1tYVXMPdQfVfxqLubGtRDxr-IKTHzvlucGE&mibextid=Zxz2cZKentuckyTrigger ban on abortion to remain in effect. Lexington Herald Leader - https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article272525366.htmlIowa Asset limit for SNAPIowa Capital Dispatch - https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/02/15/bill-could-make-iowans-with-cars-savings-ineligible-for-snap-medicaid/KansasLegislators seek to erase trans peoples legally.PBS - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/kansas-push-to-define-sex-decried-as-erasing-transgender-peopleGOP disdain for small governmentKansas Reflector - https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/kansas-cities-push-back-against-house-bill-nullifying-local-anti-discrimination-ordinances/MissouriRockwood fires back against racist parent. KMOX - https://www.audacy.com/kmox/articles/news/school-responds-to-complaint-about-book-on-black-astronautBlack leaders rally.AP - https://apnews.com/article/politics-mississippi-st-louis-missouri-813d91d638a6822fdfbeb613ea523f53Missouri's Don't Say Gay Law ABC - https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-missouri-bill-takes-dont-gay-law/story?id=96977642OklahomaParental Rights still at stake post Marriage Equality The 19th - https://19thnews.org/2023/02/oklahoma-judge-parental-rights-lgbtq-same-sex-marriage/South CarolinaNikki Haley shows love for neo-confederates.Meidas Touch - https://twitter.com/MeidasTouch/status/1625639934999797760

What does it mean to you, to be a leader? In this episode, Alyssa and Taylor introduce you to Democracy North Carolina's Interim Co-Executive Directors: Cheryl Carter and Adrienne Kelly. — Tune in to learn more about Adrienne and Cheryl's journey at Democracy NC, their personal theory of change, and what it means to them to be a leader. Support the show (http://demnc.co/donation)

On this show, we discuss the Right to Vote and how it is impacted by the Redistricting Process with Attorney Kyle Brazile, the Director of Civic Engagement for NC Counts, and Attorney Marques Thompson of Democracy North Carolina.

On this week's episode, hosts April Dawson and Irv Joyner talk with Tomas Lopez, the outgoing Director of Democracy North Carolina, about his time as ED and the continuing need for the promotion and protection of a more democratic North Carolina.

Voting rights are under assault around the country. And while we tend to see “democracy" as a big, abstract noun, it’s the smallest, most mundane details that determine whether or not people actually have the right to vote. This week Adam sits down with Tomas Lopez, executive director of Democracy North Carolina, a non-partisan organization that works to expand ballot access and protect voting rights in one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. Learn more by visiting https://democracync.org.

Welcome to System Check. On this podcast, we’re going to break down the big, unwieldy, seemingly immovable systems that structure our politics and our lives. In the ten episodes in this season, we will delve into the history of these systems, and along with our guests, we will seek ways to move beyond or redesign these systems. In our first episode, your hosts Dorian Warren and Melissa Harris-Perry are focusing on the system at the top of everyone’s minds: Voting. More than 75 million Americans have already cast a ballot, (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/28/us/elections/75-million-americans-have-already-voted.html) but election watchers are warning that long lines, false information, and purposeful barriers may deter many Americans from exercising their right to vote. America’s convoluted voting system is deeply and purposely unfair to many Americans, especially African Americans, Spanish-speakers, caregivers, and those with the least education and the fewest financial resources. It’s time for a system check. Sherrilyn Ifill, (https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/staff/sherrilyn-ifill/) President and Director Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (https://www.naacpldf.org/) joins us to consider the long history of voter suppression in the United States and to outline how state laws, federal court decisions, and digital misinformation continue to depress voter turnout. After listening to this interview, we know you will want to learn more. Check out Sherrilyn Ifill, Civil Rights Superhero (https://www.glamour.com/story/sherrilyn-ifill-women-of-the-year-2020) by Melissa Harris-Perry (Glamour, October 13, 2020); Mark Zuckerberg doesn’t know his civil rights history (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/10/17/mark-zuckerberg-doesnt-know-his-civil-rights-history/) by Sherrilyn Ifill (Washington Post, October 17, 2019) and the testimony of Sherrilyn Ifill, before the United States House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary Hearing on H.R. 1, the “For the People Act of 2019 (https://docs.house.gov/meetings/JU/JU00/20190129/108824/HHRG-116-JU00-Wstate-IfillS-20190129.pdf) (January 29, 2019). Also in this episode, co-host Melissa Harris-Perry delivers the weekly “System Analysis” with a surprising take on the rationality of voting. She concludes by drawing on the wisdom of Professor Lani Guinier. (https://www.fairvote.org/lani_guinier_champion_of_democracy) legal scholar and a champion of voting rights and racial justice. Twenty years ago, as the 2000 election between Vice President Al Gore and Governor George W. Bush descended into a chad-hanging fiasco, Lani Guinier wrote Making Every Vote Count (https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/making-every-vote-count/) for The Nation. Her analysis remains relevant today. In the second half of the episode, we talk to Alicia Garza (https://aliciagarza.com/) , co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter (https://blacklivesmatter.com/herstory/) , founder of the Black Futures Lab (https://blackfutureslab.org/) , co-founder of Super Majority (https://supermajority.com/) , host of her own podcast, Lady Don’t Take No (https://lady-dont-take-no.simplecast.com/) , and author of the new book, The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/565184/the-purpose-of-power-by-alicia-garza/) . Alicia Garza is insightful, impactful, and vulnerable in this interview you will not want to miss! Transforming analysis into action, we give listeners three action items this week: Read Alicia Garza’s The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/565184/the-purpose-of-power-by-alicia-garza/) . If you haven’t already voted—VOTE! Not sure if you’re registered? You can check here (https://www.vote.org/) .  If you or anyone you know encounters difficulties while trying to vote, call Election Protection: 1-866-OUR VOTE (https://866ourvote.org/) Be sure to keep listening until the end of the episode, because organizer Linda Sutton of Democracy North Carolina (https://democracync.org/) has an inspiring final word this week. System Check is a project of The Nation (https://www.thenation.com/) , hosted by Melissa Harris-Perry and Dorian Warren and produced by Sophia Steinert-Evoy. Our executive producer is Frank Reynolds. DD Guttenplan is Editor of The Nation, Erin O’Mara is President of The Nation. Our theme music is by Brooklyn-based artist and producer Jachary (https://jachary.bandcamp.com/) . Special thanks this week to our guests Sherrilyn Ifill and Alicia Garza. Support for System Check comes from Omidyar Network, a social change venture that is reimagining how capitalism should work. Learn more about their efforts to recenter our economy around individuals, community, and societal well-being at Omidyar.com (https://omidyar.com/) .

Hola ya Zola co-hosts, Yathrip & Diana Selena, sit down with Taylor Moss & Alyssa Rodriguez from Democracy North Carolina, a non-partisan organization that advocates for voter rights, a reduction in big money in politics, and true democracy. In this episode, they discuss disenfranchisement, what it is, who it affects, and how we can protect our vote. 

On this week's episode, hosts April Dawson and Irv Joyner sit down with North Carolina Central University Professor, Jarvis Hall; Executive Director of Democracy North Carolina, attorney Tomas Lopez; and Staff Attorney for the Self-Help Credit Union and State Director of the Election Program Effort, Jennifer Marsh, for a discussion surrounding voter protection in the wake of an upcoming election. This week's episode seeks to educate and advise the listener regarding the mechanics of voting and the various mechanisms that are in place to ensure that your vote is protected.

On this week's episode, hosts April Dawson and Irv Joyner are joined by Attorney Tomas Lopez, who serves as the Director of Democracy North Carolina, and Professor Jarvis Hall of the North Carolina Central University Political Science Department. This week's discussion will entail an in-depth discussion surrounding the Fifteenth Amendment, which granted African Americans the right to vote, and the role in which the 1965 Voting Rights Act played in furthering such right.

Question for John Hood and Chris Fitzsimon – The State Board of Elections issued an emergency order to deal with the November election. The order requires at least one early-voting site per 20,000 registered voters, and requires early voting sites open at least ten hours the two weekends before the election. The order didn’t satisfy Democracy North Carolina, which says it falls far short of guaranteeing fair and open elections. What do you think of the board’s orders?

The post Democracy North Carolina director Tomas Lopez discusses the key steps to assure a fair election during the COVID pandemic appeared first on NC Policy Watch.

The post Democracy North Carolina director Tomas Lopez discusses the key steps to assure a fair election during the COVID pandemic appeared first on NC Policy Watch.

On this show, we discuss a recently filed lawsuit which is designed to avoid barriers to voting in NC which have been created by the Coronavirus. We talk with Attorney Tomas Lopez, the Executive Director of Democracy North Carolina.

Tuesdays with Tillis continues their virtual rally/protest online for week 171, this time with special guest Sailor Jones, Campaigns Director from Democracy North Carolina.LINKS:Video on the TwT Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/Pearce10/videos/3188955361135154/TwT Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/768552279976912Democracy North Carolina: https://democracync.org/TTS Website: https://TriangleTalkShow.com

Legal historians describe democracy as a substitute for war. Instead of shedding blood for power, democracy allows people to civilly decide how to self-govern. The ballot, it’s said, wins out over the bullet in a democracy. Voting gives people a stake in their communities and is, therefore, one of the most sacred rights held by us individually and collectively. We all have a responsibility to vote. But as young people, we don’t take this responsibility seriously. For example, the 18-29 demographic has the lowest voting rates. And I understand why. With things such as Gerrymandering, why should we care if our election process seems rigged? Yet unless we do vote, the unique challenges that we face, such as climate change, won’t be addressed. It’s up to us to voice our concerns about our future by electing candidates who speak for us or by running for office ourselves and taking over.In 2020 there’s a lot at stake and it’s not just the President’s seat. What’s also at stake is the composition of the Supreme Court, the composition of the federal courts, senate seats, house seats. There is a lot at stake. So with all this at stake, we have to consider all the ways that people are being prevented from voting.In this episode of the BANA, we’ll be discussing voter suppression and its effects on our democracy. Our special guest is Tomas Lopez. He’s the executive director of Democracy North Carolina, a nonpartisan organization that uses research, organizing, and advocacy to increase voter participation, reduce the influence of big money in politics and achieve a government that is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. Prior to joining Democracy NC, Tomas was Counsel with the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. As a voting rights attorney there, he litigated against restrictive voting laws in federal court and partnered with advocates to advance and defend election reforms at the state level.Topics discussedWhat is voter suppressionWhat are strict voter ID lawsWhy polling places have closed in neighborhoods with large shares of people of colorWhat can be done Four reasons why young people don't vote (post-script). Hope you enjoy. Subscribe.

Built By Us is a podcast created by Democracy North Carolina, dedicated to bringing power back to the voters of North Carolina and promoting citizen ownership of our government. In this episode, your host, Alyssa Rodriguez, joined by Taylor Moss, introduce Built By Us, their vision, and why you should care. Tune in to listen to democracy at work and learn how you can get involved!Support the show (http://demnc.co/donation)

All eyes are on North Carolina after revelations that an Absentee Ballot Program set up by a North Carolina political consultant included forged ballots used to elect a Republican to Congress. Tomas Lopez is Director of Democracy North Carolina a voting rights watchdog. He's been following the investigation.

In part 4 of our series 'How Then Shall We Live?' which explores whether or not our personal choices matter in the fight against climate change, Mary Anne and Anna Jane explore whether or not to cut down on flying because of the harmful impact on the climate. They are joined by Dr. Peter Kalmus, a climate scientist at NASA (speaking on his own behalf) who made the personal decision to avoid flying to reduce his carbon footprint. It's an inspiring and surprising dialogue on the beauty, life lessons, and everyday miracles he's gained as a result of slowing down and being more present and intentional. Show Notes: - Peter Kalmus' article "How Far Can We Get Without Flying?" - YES! Magazine: http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/life-after-oil/how-far-can-we-get-without-flying-20160211 - "Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution" by Peter Kalmus https://www.amazon.com/Being-Change-Spark-Climate-Revolution/dp/0865718539 - Democracy North Carolina: https://democracync.org/ - Color of Change petition on rejecting racism in NC and beyond: https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/tell-amazon-apple-reject-racism-and-say-no-to-north-carolina-s-racist-attacks-on-voting-rights?bucket=RejectRacism&Source=Redirect - No Place Like Home is hosted by Mary Anne Hitt and Anna Jane Joyner - We are produced by Zach Mack - Our theme music is by River Whyless - And we are supported by the Sierra Club

In this episode Thomas Thurston spoke with Isela Gutierrez, the Associate Research Director for Democracy North Carolina and a speaker on the Gilder Lehrman Center’s “Right to Vote” panel discussion, about her organization’s work to protect the citizens of North Carolina against legislative actions and court decisions designed to abridge the right to vote, and … Continue reading Slavery and Its Legacies – Isela Gutierrez →

In this episode Thomas Thurston spoke with Isela Gutierrez, the Associate Research Director for Democracy North Carolina and a speaker on the Gilder Lehrman Center’s “Right to Vote” panel discussion, about her organization’s work to protect the citizens of North Carolina against legislative actions and court decisions designed to abridge the right to vote, and … Continue reading Slavery and Its Legacies – Isela Gutierrez →