Louisiana: What to expect on election night
December 2, 2022 GMTWith no statewide offices on the ballot, Louisiana’s general election on Dec. 10 features three constitutional amendments. One would restate that only U.S. citizens can vote in Louisiana, which is already part of the state constitution.
New Mexico court denies challenge of regulatory reforms
November 28, 2022 GMTALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court on Monday denied a challenge to a voter-approved measure overhauling a powerful commission that oversees public utilities and determines how much customers can be charged to heat and cool their homes.
Ohio GOP aims to change voting laws during lameduck session
November 17, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's elections chief on Thursday championed a lameduck push to require a supermajority of voters in order to pass certain constitutional amendments, a move that came the same day further voter restrictions were added to a significant rewrite of Ohio's election laws.
Kentucky measure to let lawmakers call special session fails
November 9, 2022 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky voters delivered a setback to Republican lawmakers in their pursuit of more power, rejecting a proposed constitutional amendment that would have let the legislature call itself into special session on topics of its choosing.
Tennessee approves 2 more changes to state constitution
November 9, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee voters have approved two additional amendments to the state’s constitution, with one creating a temporary line of succession and the other repealing language banning clergy from serving in the General Assembly.
South Dakota approves Medicaid expansion over GOP resistance
November 9, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota voters on Tuesday approved the expansion of Medicaid health insurance to tens of thousands of low-income residents through a constitutional amendment.
Abortion rights boosted with defeat of Kentucky amendment
November 9, 2022 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky voters rejected a ballot measure aimed at denying any constitutional protections for abortion, handing a victory to abortion-rights supporters who have seen access to the procedure eroded by Republican lawmakers in the deeply red state.
Tennessee voters pass amendment barring mandatory union fees
November 9, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee voters have approved a change to the state Constitution that reinforces the state's existing law freeing workers from being required to pay union dues.
Tennessee has had a law prohibiting the requirement on the books since 1947, and the outcome of Tuesday's referendum doesn’t change how the existing law works.
Maryland voters approve recreational marijuana legalization
November 9, 2022 GMTANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana in a constitutional amendment Tuesday.
Lawmakers already approved legislation this year to take steps to changing the law regarding cannabis, but the General Assembly left matters of licensing and taxes for lawmakers to decide next year.
Vermont voters approve amendment protecting abortion
November 9, 2022 GMTVoters in Vermont on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment to protect reproductive rights in the state, including abortion.
“Here in Vermont, voters took responsibility to protect care wherever possible.
Iowa voters add gun rights to state constitution
November 9, 2022 GMTDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowans voted Tuesday to add a right to keep and bear arms into the state constitution, a move that will make it more difficult to pass gun restrictions and easier to strike down existing gun laws.
Missouri voters force Kansas City to raise police spending
November 9, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri voters have passed a constitutional amendment that will require Kansas City to spend a larger percentage of its general revenue on the police department.
The amendment requires the city to spend 25% of general revenue on police, up from the current 20% requirement.
South Dakota voters to decide on Medicaid expansion
November 9, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota voters on Tuesday are weighing whether to expand Medicaid health insurance to tens of thousands of low-income residents through a constitutional amendment.
West Virginians to decide on 4 constitutional amendments
November 4, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia lawmakers are asking voters to give them more power to regulate public education policy and certain taxes while prohibiting state Supreme Court intervention in the Legislature's impeachment trials.
Lee distances himself from false claims on ballot proposal
November 4, 2022 GMTCROSSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday distanced himself from a claim attributed to him falsely alleging that employees will be forced to pay union dues if the state's so-called right-to-work law is not enshrined in the state constitution.
Idaho lawmakers ask voters to approve special session powers
November 3, 2022 GMTIdaho is one of 14 states where only the governor can call a special session.
That could change Tuesday if more than half of voters approve a constitutional amendment that would rewrite the state’s constitution and allow the part-time Legislature to call itself back into session.
Erdogan outlines future for Turkey, vows new constitution
October 28, 2022 GMTANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday laid out his vision for Turkey in the next century, promising a new constitution that would guarantee the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Kentucky lawmakers seeking voter OK to call special sessions
October 25, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky's electorate will soon cast decisive votes on something state lawmakers have craved, a ballot measure fiercely resisted by the governor that would let the legislature call itself into special session on topics of its choosing.
Parents of slain teen, mayors urge passage of bail change
October 24, 2022 GMTAUBURN, Ala. (AP) — The parents of a slain Alabama college student and mayors from across the state on Monday urged voters to approve a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at giving judges more discretion to deny bail to people charged with violent crimes.
Will South Dakota OK pot again after 1st measure reversed?
October 22, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — When it comes to marijuana, South Dakota has been a leader among its Great Plains neighbors: one of the first to legalize recreational use, the first to approve both medical and recreational forms on the same ballot and the only one to have its recreational measure reversed.
Court: Louisiana unanimous jury requirement not retroactive
October 21, 2022 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Prohibitions against nonunanimous jury convictions — outlawed by Louisiana voters in 2018 and, later, by the U.S. Supreme Court — do not have to apply retroactively to earlier convictions, Louisiana's highest court ruled Friday.
Election fraud case against Florida defendant dismissed
October 21, 2022 GMTOne of the 20 people arrested with fanfare under an election fraud program launched by Florida Gov.
Sri Lankan lawmakers vote to trim presidential powers
October 21, 2022 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lankan lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment on Friday that trims the powers of the president, a key demand of protesters who are seeking political reforms and solutions to the country’s economic crisis.
Sri Lankan lawmakers debate bill to trim presidential powers
October 20, 2022 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lankan lawmakers began debating a proposed constitutional amendment on Thursday that would trim the powers of the president, a key demand of protesters who are seeking political reforms and solutions to the country’s dire economic crisis.
Man to stand trial in shooting of anti-abortion canvasser
October 19, 2022 GMTODESSA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A western Michigan man has been ordered to stand trial in the shooting of an 84-year-old woman who was canvassing door to door against a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to abortion in the state.
Early voting underway in Tennessee general election
October 19, 2022 GMTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Early voting kicked off Wednesday in Tennessee for the November midterm general election.
The 14-day period of voting ahead of the Nov. 8 Election Day runs Mondays through Saturdays until Thursday, Nov.
California to vote on constitutional right to abortion
October 14, 2022 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Californians are voting now through Election Day on whether to approve a state constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to abortion and contraception, one of several measures on ballots nationwide this November to address reproductive health care following the U.S.
Kansas City business group opposes police funding amendment
October 12, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City business group has come out against a proposed state constitutional amendment that would require the city to spend a larger percentage of its general revenue on the police department.
West Virginia governor wants to toss personal vehicle tax
October 11, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said Tuesday he will propose a plan to eliminate a personal property tax on vehicles.
The Republican governor urged voters to reject a proposed constitutional amendment on the same issue next month.
Michigan man charged in shooting of anti-abortion canvasser
September 30, 2022 GMTODESSA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan homeowner has been charged with shooting and wounding an 84-year-old woman who was canvassing door-to-door against a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to abortion in the state.
84-year-old Michigan anti-abortion canvasser shot, wounded
September 29, 2022 GMTODESSA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A man shot and wounded an 84-year-old Michigan woman who was canvassing door-to-door against a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to abortion in the state.
Wolf takes lawsuit on constitutional changes to lower court
September 26, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is taking another shot at a lawsuit that argues Republican lawmakers improperly bundled together five proposed state constitutional amendments to get them approved by the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Kazakhstan renames capital, extends presidential term
September 17, 2022 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — The president of Kazakhstan on Saturday signed constitutional amendments that extended the presidential term to seven years and brought back the old name of the country's capital.
The changes are among political and economic reforms that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for after violent protests rocked the country in January, killing more than 200 people.
Kazakhstan moves to extend presidential term, rename capital
September 16, 2022 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Kazakhstan's parliament on Friday voted unanimously to support constitutional amendments that would extend the presidential term to seven years and rename the country's capital.
The changes are part of an array of political and economic reforms President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for after violent protests rocked the country in January, killing more than 200 people.
GOP candidate wants referendum on abortion in New Mexico
September 15, 2022 GMTSANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Republican nominee for governor in New Mexico has proposed a statewide referendum that could place new limitations on access to abortion procedures, pitching the idea in a television ad Thursday.
Ohio chief justice: New redistricting amendment needed
September 15, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's efforts to curb gerrymandering are not working and voters must once again amend the constitution to take politics completely out of the process, the retiring chief justice of the state Supreme Court said Thursday.
Abortion-rights group leads on fundraising for ballot issue
September 14, 2022 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — On the defensive for years in Republican-dominated Kentucky, abortion-rights supporters have gained an election-year advantage at a pivotal time — opening a big fundraising lead ahead of a statewide vote on whether to eliminate the right to abortion in the state's constitution.
High court tells Wolf it won’t fast track amendments lawsuit
September 12, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's highest court on Monday rejected a request from Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf that it immediately take up his challenge to Republican legislation that has bundled a constitutional amendment regarding abortion with four unrelated proposed changes.
Michigan board approves ballot measure on voting access
September 9, 2022 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan election board on Friday voted to put a question on the November ballot about whether the state should expand opportunities to vote, including through absentee and early voting, after the state Supreme Court ordered it to do so.
Court: Michigan voters may decide on expanding voting access
September 8, 2022 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — A question will appear on the November ballot on whether Michigan should expand opportunities to vote, including through absentee and early voting, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
Solomon Islands to delay election, raising fears of unrest
September 8, 2022 GMTWELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands voted Thursday to delay their nation's general election from next year until 2024, a move that opponents say amounts to a power grab and that some fear could lead to further civil unrest.
GOP escalates fight against citizen-led ballot initiatives
September 3, 2022 GMTJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of people signed petitions this year backing proposed ballot initiatives to expand voting access, ensure abortion rights and legalize recreational marijuana in Arizona, Arkansas and Michigan.
Michigan court is urged to put voting measure on ballot
September 1, 2022 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — Supporters of an effort to expand voting opportunities asked the Michigan Supreme Court to intervene Thursday and place the proposed constitutional amendment on the fall ballot.
Michigan election board rejects abortion rights initiative
August 31, 2022 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan elections board on Wednesday rejected an abortion rights initiative after its two Republican board members voted against putting the proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
Michigan measure to expand voting access blocked from ballot
August 31, 2022 GMTLANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan elections board decided Wednesday that a proposed constitutional amendment that would expand voting access didn't qualify for the November ballot, leading the measure's supporters to vow to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court.
Ohio ballot board advances bail, noncitizen voting measures
August 22, 2022 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two Ohio constitutional amendments cleared their last big hurdle before heading to November ballots — one seeking bail reform, the other prohibiting non-citizens from voting.
Court opens door to voiding N. Carolina Voter ID amendment
August 19, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s highest court opened the door Friday to nullifying a voter ID mandate approved by citizens in 2018 because the lawmakers who put it on the ballot were elected from districts tainted by illegal racial bias.
DeSantis’ election police unit announces voter fraud cases
August 18, 2022 GMTTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced criminal charges against 20 people for illegally voting in 2020, the first major public move from the Republican's controversial new election police unit.
Missouri voters to weigh forgiveness for past weed crimes
August 17, 2022 GMTCOLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri could become the first state to pass a voter-led effort to require courts to automatically forgive past marijuana crimes as part of a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational pot on November's ballot.
WVa governor: Voters shouldn’t decide abortion access issue
August 15, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice scoffed Monday at a suggestion by Democratic lawmakers to let voters decide whether abortion should continue to be allowed in the state.
The Republican governor said the state's abortion law falls under the scrutiny of the Legislature and the attorney general.
Kansas abortion vote shows limits of GOP’s strength
August 12, 2022 GMTTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — An increase in turnout among Democrats and independents and a notable shift in Republican-leaning counties contributed to the overwhelming support of abortion rights last week in traditionally conservative Kansas, according to a detailed Associated Press analysis of the voting results.
Sri Lanka introduces reform bill to clip presidential powers
August 10, 2022 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka's justice minister submitted a proposed constitutional amendment to Parliament on Wednesday that would clip the powers of the president, a key demand of protesters calling for political reforms and solutions to the country’s worst economic crisis.
Abrams seeks to invest to build inclusive economy in Georgia
August 10, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams argued in a speech Tuesday that it's time for Georgia to use its budget surplus to invest in its residents, accusing Gov.
Arkansas court asked to put marijuana measure on ballot
August 5, 2022 GMTSupporters of a recreational marijuana initiative have asked the Arkansas Supreme Court to order election officials to put their measure on the November ballot.
Arkansas panel rejects recreational marijuana ballot measure
August 3, 2022 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The State Board of Election Commissioners on Wednesday blocked a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana from appearing on Arkansas' ballot this fall.
The panel rejected the popular name and ballot title for the proposed constitutional amendment that supporters hoped to put on the November ballot.
EXPLAINER: What’s the role of personhood in abortion debate?
July 30, 2022 GMTATLANTA (AP) — The concept of “personhood” has come up in debates since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion.
West Virginia Senate balks on governor’s income tax cut plan
July 30, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A 10% reduction in West Virginia's income tax proposed by Gov. Jim Justice stalled Friday in the Senate.
Instead of taking up the Republican governor’s proposal, the Senate explained its intentions to reduce the personal property tax and business inventory tax if voters in November approve a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to do so.
Wolf sues to stop GOP-backed amendments on abortion, voting
July 29, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's Democratic governor sued the state Legislature on Thursday over a package of proposed constitutional amendments that Republican lawmakers are pursuing, including one that would say the state constitution does not guarantee any rights relating to abortion or public funding of abortions.
Income tax cut passes West Virginia House, heads to Senate
July 28, 2022 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia House of Delegates on Thursday passed the Republican governor’s plan to reduce the state income tax by 10%, setting up a clash in the Senate, whose president is cold to the idea.
Mills looking into amendment to protect abortion rights
July 27, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said Tuesday that her administration is reviewing whether the right to an abortion is already enshrined in the Maine Constitution, or if an amendment is warranted.
Kansas City struggles with Missouri over police funding
July 15, 2022 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Leaders in largely Democratic Kansas City, Missouri, don’t control the city’s police department, hire the police chief or determine how the department spends its tax dollars.
Abe’s party vows to finish his work after win in Japan vote
July 12, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Days after former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination, his party vowed to use its victory in a parliamentary election to achieve his unfinished goals, including strengthening the military and revising the country’s pacifist, postwar constitution.
Medicaid expansion groups join for constitutional amendment
July 11, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A pair of South Dakota campaigns trying to expand access to Medicaid through the November ballot announced Monday they will join efforts to focus on passing an amendment to the state constitution.
Signatures for recreational pot, casino measures submitted
July 9, 2022 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Supporters of initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana and scale back casino gambling submitted thousands of signatures Friday in the hopes of getting their proposals on the Arkansas ballot.
NY lawmakers endorse proposed abortion rights amendment
July 2, 2022 GMTALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers took the first step Friday toward amending the state constitution to enshrine abortion rights following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Both houses of the Democrat-controlled Legislature approved a resolution to begin the process of passing the amendment, which would expand the state constitution’s Equal Protection Amendment by banning discrimination based on “pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”
State Supreme Court: Greenetrack owes $76 million in taxes
July 1, 2022 GMTMONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that Greenetrack owes $76 million in unpaid taxes and interest in a decision that accused the dog track of using charities as a sham for a profitable electronic gambling operation.
Nevada ballot may see open primary, ranked voting initiative
June 30, 2022 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — An initiative offering Nevada voters open party primaries and ranked-choice voting appears headed for the November ballot, while the state Supreme Court turned down a case that could have put a constitutional amendment about a school vouchers program before the voters.
Republicans pitch taking gov’s power from NC education board
June 29, 2022 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina House Republicans pushed Wednesday for a constitutional amendment that would have voters elect members of the State Board of Education from each congressional district, a move that would erode dramatically the governor’s appointment authority to the panel.
Inslee seeks abortion rights amendment to state constitution
June 25, 2022 GMTOLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said he will push for a state constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights within his state's borders, as well as laws that will make it difficult for other states to investigate whether their own residents have visited Washington for abortion care.
High court rules wording of ‘millionaire tax’ summary fair
June 22, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The highest court in Massachusetts ruled Wednesday that the wording of a summary of a ballot question for a proposed “millionaire tax” constitutional amendment is legal and the measure can go before voters in November.
GOP lawmakers block assault-style gun ban for those under 21
June 21, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — State House Republicans blocked a proposal to prevent those ages 18 to 21 from possessing assault-style rifles on Tuesday by completely changing the bill into a constitutional amendment to allow anyone to carry concealed guns.
UN says Libya’s rivals fail to reach deal in election talks
June 20, 2022 GMTCAIRO (AP) — Rival Libyan factions failed to reach an agreement after wrapping up a third round of U.N.-mediated talks in Egypt, the United Nations said Monday, further complicating international efforts to find a way out of the country’s decade-old chaos.
Kentucky judge running again after removal from office
June 19, 2022 GMTOWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky judge who was removed from office two months ago is running again, and a lawmaker says making that illegal would take a constitutional amendment.
The Judicial Conduct Commission voted unanimously in April to permanently remove Daviess Family Judge Julie Hawes Gordon for abusing her position, in particular attempting to influence criminal cases involving her adult son.
Nevada high court hears fast-track school voucher appeal
June 17, 2022 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada Supreme Court justices asked pointed questions Thursday about a fast-track appeal of a school vouchers ballot measure that a state court judge rejected for using what he characterized as “sleight of hand” to hide what he called the “enormous” effect it would have on the state budget.
SC Senate calls for amendments to restrain federal spending
June 16, 2022 GMTThe South Carolina Senate approved a proposal on Wednesday calling for the convention of states to pass constitutional amendments that restrain the federal government's power — but the state House failed to act on the bill before the session ended.
UN-brokered talks on Libya elections resume in Cairo
June 12, 2022 GMTCAIRO (AP) — Libyan officials returned to the Egyptian capital Sunday for a third round of talks on constitutional amendments for elections. The North African nation once again finds itself at a political impasse with two rival administrations claiming legitimacy.
South Dakota’s Noem, Thune repel GOP challenges from right
June 8, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has elevated her national prominence through a hands-off approach to pandemic restrictions, won the Republican primary on Tuesday against a former legislative leader who accused her of using the office to mount a 2024 White House bid.
Republicans face decision on constitutional changes package
June 7, 2022 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republican state lawmakers may soon decide which among the scores of potential amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution will have any shot of making it to a voter referendum — a tactic that can get politically divisive policies around Democratic Gov.
South Dakota voters weigh future of ballot measures, taxes
June 6, 2022 GMTSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Primary voters will decide Tuesday whether to add a provision to South Dakota's constitution making it more difficult to pass ballot measures that raise taxes or significantly expand government funds, a showdown over direct democracy in the state that pioneered voter-initiated laws.
Voters in Kazakhstan approve constitutional changes
June 6, 2022 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Voters in the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan have given overwhelming approval to proposed constitutional changes widely seen as an attempt to repudiate the legacy of former strongman Nursultan Nazarbayev, who led the ex-Soviet republic for three decades.