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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

In the upcoming November election, Wisconsinites will be asked to vote on three proposed amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution. In a series of explainers, we describe the proposals, identify arguments for and against, and assess likely impacts. statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/our-work/nov... 1/4

statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu

November 2026 Proposed Wisconsin Constitutional Amendments

In the upcoming November 2026 election, Wisconsin voters will be asked to vote on three proposed amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution. These…

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Join us for a talk with Professor Judith Resnik on her new book, Impermissible Punishments: How Prison Became a Problem for Democracy, on Thursday, Oct 29, from 3-4 pm in Lubar Commons (Rm 7200) at UW Law School. Register here: go.wisc.edu/8wfl02

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Yesterday, the California Supreme Court heard two challenges to a sheriff's seizure of 650k+ ballots from a Nov. '25 election based on debunked fraud claims. Our new report examines the risk of such seizures occurring during a vote count, and how states can respond: go.wisc.edu/dc9qbo

Red bubble with text: how state laws may constain law enforcement seizures of election materials over background image of a sheriff

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

In 2024, New Yorkers adopted an Amendment that expanded the state constitution’s Equal Protection Clause to bar discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, pregnancy status, reproductive healthcare & more. Learn more at 50constitutions.org/ny

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Mail voting is under unprecedented federal pressure ahead of the 2026 midterms. From the White House to the Supreme Court to Congress, the threats to this widely used form of voting are mounting. Our new Explainer explores what's happening and what states can do about it: go.wisc.edu/622s38

go.wisc.edu

How Can States Address Federal Hostility to Mail Voting?

Mail voting is under unprecedented federal pressure heading into the 2026 midterm elections. From the White House to the Supreme Court to Congress, a…

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

State courts are encountering a new type of “vote dilution” claim, which asserts that certain election practices are unconstitutional because they increase the hypothetical risk of voter fraud, and thus dilute the weight of “legal” ballots. Our latest Report unpacks these claims: go.wisc.edu/n9nk35

go.wisc.edu

Hypothetical Vote Dilution Claims and State Constitutions

State courts are encountering a new type of “vote dilution” claim, which asserts that certain election rules or practices are unconstitutional because…

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

North Carolina's 2024 Supreme Court race took 6 months of litigation to resolve, while some worry that similar post-election challenges could affect control of Congress. But state supreme courts have tools to prevent this. Learn more in our new explainer: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/our-work/how...

statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu

How State Supreme Courts Can Prevent Prolonged Election Contests

Litigation over election results serves an important role in legitimizing the democratic process, but when these challenges drag on for months, they can…

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

For decades, ICE limited enforcement operations at locations like schools and hospitals. Both Trump Administrations rescinded those guidelines. @harrisonstark.bsky.social discusses states & localities’ ability to adopt their own policies in a new report: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/our-work/can...

statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu

Can States Protect “Sensitive Locations” Like Courthouses, Hospitals, or Schools From Federal Immigration Enforcement?

For decades, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) limited enforcement operations at so-called “sensitive locations” like courthouses, schools, or…

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026 @law.wisc.edu Graduates, especially those who worked with us here at SDRI. We look forward to staying in touch and can't wait to see where you all go next!

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

🚨SDRI is hiring!🚨 Learn more about our Staff Attorney and Fellowship opportunities here ➡️ statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/get-involved...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Join us for "The Work of State Supreme Courts" on May 29, from 9-10:30 am, featuring state supreme court justices from across the country! Register to join us in-person or online⬇️ go.wisc.edu/h2ef9d

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

State and local governments are increasingly using property law to push back on ICE operations. Our new report unpacks the viability of these efforts, from banning new detention centers to barring officers from staging operations on city property. statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/our-work/sta...

statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu

State and Local Property Law Responses to Federal Actions

State and local governments are increasingly using property law to push back on ICE operations. This report unpacks the viability of these efforts, from…

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

Elections Research Center @electionscenter.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

🚨Register now: go.wisc.edu/5sgx2j%F0%9F... A reminder to register for our event on the changing politics of Gen Z. Experts will discuss rising youth participation, attitudes toward parties and institutions, and what these shifts mean for the future of American politics.

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

📢🚀🚨 We just launched our new website! 🚨🚀📢 📍It's easier to navigate 🔍 Has improved search features 📌And allows users to filter our work by topic and type! Check it out at statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu 👉💻⬇️

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Join us for the next installment in our Election Matters series, "The Battle Over Mid-Decade Redistricting" on March 6, 3-4:15 pm CT. Panelists will offer an update on mid-decade redistricting and how it may impact the 2026 midterms. Register here: go.wisc.edu/95y7s8

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Bree Grossi Wilde @breewilde.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

If you'd like to learn more about the power of states to prosecute federal officials, check out my colleague Bryna's explainer on the issue.

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The federal government has been suing states to force them to hand over full voter registration lists, including personal details protected by state privacy law. Yesterday, DC, GA, IL, and WI became the latest to be sued. Our new explainer analyzes these legal disputes. go.wisc.edu/xb7m0v

statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu

Explainer: Can the Federal Government Force States to Hand Over Citizens’ Voter Information?

Derek Clinger, Senior Counsel PDF Available Here Published: December 19, 2025 In late October 2025, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson released an unusual video message “warning” the state’s r...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

As the federal government pulls back from policing public corruption, can states help to fill the void? This explainer by @bgodar.bsky.social explores the potential for states to use their own anticorruption laws and other tools to address federal-level corruption. go.wisc.edu/ive401

go.wisc.edu

Explainer: State Tools to Address Federal Corruption

Bryna Godar, Staff Attorney PDF Available Here Published: December 9, 2025 Federal laws and institutions have long played a central role in addressing public corruption. Federal prosecutors have broug...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

With some federal agents now wearing masks on the job, a growing number of states are considering mask bans. Can states apply such laws to federal actors without contravening the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause? We explore this question in a new Explainer: go.wisc.edu/bn0b1c

go.wisc.edu

Explainer: Can States Prohibit Federal Law Enforcement from Masking on the Job?

Bridget Lavender PDF Available Here Published: October 3, 2025 Introduction As the federal government ramps up immigration enforcement under President Trump’s second administration, federal agents som...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Join us for “Judging in State Appellate Courts” on Thursday, October 30, from 12:00-1:00 pm CT. This event will take place in-person in Lubar Commons (room 7200) of the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. Lunch will be provided. go.wisc.edu/zame95

flyer reads: Panel Discussion: Judging in State Appellate Courts with a photo of three chairs in a courtroom. Panelists include Judge Brian Blanchard (Wisconsin Court of Appeals), Judge Elizabeth Bentley (Minnesota Court of Appeals), President Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer (Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court), and Chief Justice Rebeca Martinez (Texas Court of Appeals). This panel will be moderated by Professor Miriam Seifter (University of Wisconsin Law School). Thursday, October 30th, 12-1 pm. Lubar Commons (Room 7200) University of Wisconsin Law School or virtual via Zoom. Lunch will be provided. Register with Eventbrite. Pending approval for 1 CLE credit. State Democracy Research Initiative, University of Wisconsin Law School.

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Join us for the next installment in our Election Matters panel series on "Money, Politics, and the First Amendment." This event will explore the impacts of increasingly expensive elections and the tension between campaign finance regulation and free speech. Register here: go.wisc.edu/190re6

Election Matters 2025 Flyer - Money, Politics and the First Amendment
Friday, October 3, 3-4:15 pm in room 2260 of the UW Law School
Live Stream Option Available
featuring Barry Burden, Benjamin Ginsberg, Saurav Ghosh, Raymond La Raja, and Abby Wood
register and learn more at go.wisc.edu/190re6

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

📢Call for papers for a Scholarship Roundtable on State and Local Governance, organized by @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social and Professors Alexandra Klass, Nina Mendelson, and @chrisjwalker.bsky.social and taking place at @umichlaw.bsky.social, 4/10/26 in Ann Arbor! Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph

Committed Commentators to Date:

Sara Bronin, George Washington University Law School
Sheila Foster, Columbia Law School & Columbia University Climate School
Alexandra Klass, University of Michigan Law School
Nina Mendelson, University of Michigan Law School
Miriam Seifter, University of Wisconsin Law School
Ganesh Sitaraman, Vanderbilt University Law School
Christopher Walker, University of Michigan Law School
Rob Yablon, University of Wisconsin Law School

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Join us for “Education Rights and State Constitutions” on Friday, September 12 from 3:00-4:15pm Central Time, with a reception to follow. This event will take place in-person in Room 2260 in the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. go.wisc.edu/7ig7qx

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

Can states criminally prosecute wrongdoing by federal officials? Can states authorize people to bring civil damages actions against federal officials who act unconstitutionally? We explore these questions in two new explainers. 1/ go.wisc.edu/yb8t55

go.wisc.edu

Exploring State Checks Against Federal Overreach

States have many tools to help counter federal abuses of power. Facing a torrent of controversial federal government actions, states today are pursuing or considering an array of options. In a series ...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

🚨50 Constitutions Update🚨 Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 4 additional states! These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history. 50constitutions.org

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Bree Grossi Wilde @breewilde.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Law school libraries -- our experience has been that they are more than happy to host electronic research.

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

New: The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that an 1849 law on abortion was impliedly repealed by later abortion legislation, so it no longer operates as a ban on abortion. Read the opinion here: www.wicourts.gov/sc/opinion/D...

wicourts.gov

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Join us for “Year in Review: Democracy Litigation in SCOTUS and the States” Thursday, July 10 at 3pm CT, at the Madison Public Library or online. The panel will highlight the past year’s significant democracy-related decisions at both the state and federal levels. Register here: go.wisc.edu/bl85id

go.wisc.edu

Year in Review: Democracy Litigation in SCOTUS and the States

Join us for “Year in Review: Democracy Litigation in SCOTUS and the States” on Thursday, July 10 from 3:00-4:15pm Central Time!

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Thank you to the Gargoyle for highlighting Liz Gracie and John Miller’s generosity in contributing $50,000 to establish a matching gift for SDRI. We are so grateful to them and the other donors! gargoyle.law.wisc.edu/2025/06/supp...

gargoyle.law.wisc.edu

Supporting a Strong Democracy

UW Law School Board of Visitors members John W. Miller ’06, along with Elizabeth Gracie ’83 and her Chicago law firm O’Keefe Lyons & Hynes, LLC, contributed a total of $50,000 to create a 1:1 matching...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Join us for "The Work of State Supreme Courts" on May 30, from 9-10:30am, featuring state supreme court justices from across the country! Register for in-person or online⬇️ go.wisc.edu/p12jci

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Bree Grossi Wilde @breewilde.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Our fantastic program coordinator is off to law school, so we're looking for someone to replace him this summer. Please share the listing!

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

Bryna Godar @bgodar.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Elon Musk is holding a rally where he will pay $1 million to two people who have voted in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. This almost certainly violates Wisconsin's election bribery law, which prohibits giving or offering anything of value to induce someone to vote. apnews.com/article/wisc...

apnews.com

Musk promises to go to Wisconsin to personally deliver $2 million to voters in Supreme Court race

Billionaire Elon Musk says he plans to hold a rally in Wisconsin to “personally hand over” $2 million to a pair of voters who have already cast their ballots in the state’s hotly contested Supreme Cou...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

All eyes are on Wisconsin’s high-stakes April 1 Supreme Court election. But two days later, the court will hear a major legal battle over $50 million for childhood literacy between legislators and the Department of Public Instruction. Our latest breaks down the issues and stakes: go.wisc.edu/10pr00

go.wisc.edu

Explainer: Wisconsin Supreme Court Set to Consider Fate of “Mini Legislature”

Derek Clinger, Senior Staff Attorney PDF Available Here Published: March 25, 2025 In recent decades, the Wisconsin Legislature has increasingly empowered legislative committees, rather than its full m...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

Bryna Godar @bgodar.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

In case you're getting postcards with the wrong date, a reminder that Wisconsin's election, including the WI Supreme Court race, is April FIRST (April 1). www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/news/p...

wausaudailyherald.com

Wisconsin officials remind voters of election date after third-party mailers give wrong date

Wisconsin voters have received misleading mailers from third-party groups listing a wrong date for the April 1 election.

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Bree Grossi Wilde @breewilde.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

In an effort to counter the myopic and distorted campaign ads, we've published an explainer on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court candidates. Please check it out and share!

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Join us for “Local Perspectives: Mayors in American Governance” on Tuesday, April 1, from 12-1pm CT, at the UW Law School. Panelists include Mayors Julia Arata-Fratta, David Holt, Kim Norton, Steve Patterson, and Sangeetha Rayapati. Miriam Seifter is moderating. Register here: go.wisc.edu/x8j35p

go.wisc.edu

Local Perspectives: Mayors in American Governance

Join us for "Local Perspectives: Mayors in American Governance" on Tuesday, April 1, from 12:00-1:00pm Central Time.

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

We're hiring! There's still time to apply for our open positions! Deadline is March 16.

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

On April 1, Wisconsinites will vote on a proposal from the legislature to add a voter ID requirement to the state constitution. If approved, the amendment would make it harder to change the state's existing voter ID laws. Check out our explainer to learn more: go.wisc.edu/d78ch0

go.wisc.edu

Explainer: The Proposed Voter ID Constitutional Amendment on Wisconsin’s April Ballot

Bryna Godar, Staff Attorney PDF Available Here Published: February 24, 2025 On Wisconsin’s April 1, 2025, spring election ballot, voters will see a proposed constitutional amendment asking whether to ...

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Bree Grossi Wilde @breewilde.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Come work with us! Check out these two job postings and please share!

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

Join us for “Understanding State Supreme Court Elections: Wisconsin and Beyond” Friday, March 7 at 3pm CT, at the UW Law School or online. Panelists include @bcburden.bsky.social, Michael Kang, and @yeargain.bsky.social, with @miriamseifter.bsky.social moderating. Register here: go.wisc.edu/96y654

go.wisc.edu

Understanding State Supreme Court Elections: Wisconsin & Beyond

A moderated panel featuring leading experts in judicial elections and campaign dynamics.

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Bree Grossi Wilde @breewilde.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

Fresh this new year, we're continuing to highlight state constitutions -- please check out New Mexico's at 50constitutions.org.

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

The outcome of November's NC Supreme Court election is being litigated, with more than 60,000 votes being challenged. This explainer from SDRI’s @ewlau.bsky.social offers background on the dispute and how it made its way to court: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/202...

statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu

Explainer: North Carolina Supreme Court Election Protest

Emily Lau, Staff Attorney PDF Available Here More than a month after the November 2024 election, the result of the North Carolina Supreme Court race is still uncertain. There have been two recounts—on...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

Although convention delegates eventually compromised on the substance of Minnesota’s first constitution, delegates from opposing political parties refused to sign the same document. So, they created two copies to sign and present to Congress. Learn more at 50constitutions.org/mn

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

In 1976, Alaska voters amended their constitution to create the Alaska Permanent Fund. This fund invests a portion of natural resource development revenue and pays out an annual dividend to Alaskan residents. Learn more about the Alaska Constitution at: 50constitutions.org/ak

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

Before the 19th amendment extended voting rights to women nationwide, advocates had successfully been advancing women's suffrage through state constitutional amendments. Learn more about the Idaho constitution at 50constitutions.org/id

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

Breaking: The North Carolina Legislature overrode Gov. Cooper’s veto of SB 382, a controversial power grab tied to hurricane relief. Here’s an explainer from SDRI's @derekclinger.bsky.social analyzing the bill and situating it within similar efforts in NC and beyond: go.wisc.edu/7x7qdf 1/

go.wisc.edu

Explainer: Lame-Duck Power Grabs in North Carolina and Beyond

Derek Clinger, Senior Staff Attorney PDF Available Here Just weeks after North Carolina Democrats won several prominent statewide offices in the 2024 general election, including governor, lieutenant g...

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Reposted by Bree Grossi Wilde

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

🚨50 Constitutions Update🚨 Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 9 states! These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history. (Additional states coming in 2025!)

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