PODCASTS AND REFORM PROPOSALS
Podcasts & Webinars
Ryan Haygood and Building an Inclusive Democracy - Part II
In Part II, Ryan Haygood continues his discussion with the Election Nerds, Judge Francis and Dean Quinn. The discussion explains how citizens can impact election reforms at all levels of government and help move New Jersey and the nation toward a more inclusive democracy.
You can listen to the second part by using the mini-player directly below.
Ryan Haygood and Building an Inclusive Democracy - Part I
On July 24, 2023 the Center for Election Reform Trustees, Judge Travis Francis and Dean Oliver Quinn, recorded a two part podcast with Ryan Haygood, the President and CEO of the Institute for Social Justice. The podcast was produced by the Election Nerds, a creation of the Center for Election Reform, in cooperation with the Eagleton Institute of Politics and was an episode in “This Moment in Democracy.” The first part deals with Ryan Haygood’s early experiences as he began working toward Building an Inclusive Democracy. You can listen to the first part by using the mini-player directly below.
Election Integrity and the Battle for the Soul of Our Democracy
On November 2, 2022, Center Trustee, Judge Travis L. Francis, recorded a podcast entitled “Election Integrity and the Battle for the Soul of Our Democracy.” It consists of a discussion between Judge Francis and Ambassador Norm Eisen who is currently a senior fellow in Governance Studies at Brookings Institution. Ambassador Eisen served as special counsel to the House Judiciary, as U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic, and in the White House as special counsel and special assistant to the president for ethics and government reform.
This podcast by the Election Nerds was made in partnership with the Eagleton Institute of Politics and the Center for Election Reform. Click here to listen to the podcast.
100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting
On May 5, 2022, Judge Travis L. Francis and Dr. Elizabeth C. Matto discussed 100% Democracy, The Case for Universal Voting with the authors E.J. Dionne Jr. and Miles Rapoport. The event was sponsored by the Center for Election Reform, Eagleton Institute of Politics, and the Center for Youth Political Participation. If you missed the webinar, you can see the recorded program at your convenience by clicking here.
Reform Proposals
The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, LDF and Harvard Law School’s Election Law Clinic Release NVRA NOW: Why New Jersey Needs its Own Voting Rights Act
The New Jersey institute for Social Justice, the Legal Defense Fund and the Election Law Clinic at Harvard Law School today released NJVRA NOW: Why New Jersey Needs its Own Voting Rights Act, a report making the case for why New Jersey must pass its own voting rights act. To read the report click here.
Guide to State Litigation Challenging Partisan Gerrymanders
After the U.S. Supreme Court precluded federal courts from hearing challenges to partisan gerrymandered districts, reformers looked to state courts as viable alternatives. The Center for Election Reform prepared a guide in August, 2023 including three possible state litigation approaches. These include finding violations of state (1) redistricting standards; (2) equal protection clauses; and (3) clauses specifically requiring elections to be “free and equal,” “free and open,” and “free.” The following guide briefly details the states where such challenges may be viable. To read the guide click here.
State Commission of Investigation’s Final Report evaluating the 2021 New Jersey’s Congressional Redistricting Process
The State Commission of Investigation (SCI) investigated the workings of the 2021 Congressional Redistricting Commission. The investigation began after a claim was made that the Commission had used manipulated data to adopt the final map. The SCI found no manipulation of data. But to improve the process recommended changes to make the process more transparent, accountable, and consistent. They recommended that the state should adopt a clear role and authority for the Commission chair, codify redistricting standards, and provide greater transparency in the process including requiring maps that were being seriously considered to be disclosed to the public for comment. Please click here to review the report and recommendations.