States United Democracy Center

The Trump administration is attacking mail voting in 3 parts: ❌ limit who can vote by mail ❌ make it harder to cast a ballot ❌ spread lies about the security of mail ballots It's about controlling whose votes count in 2026. https://statesunited.org/resources/mail-voting-attacks/

American researchers are fleeing overseas amid Trump’s cuts to science. Our LostFunds.org data shows at least $170B in federal grants cut or frozen since January 2025. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-scientists-froehlich-trump-grants-b3069150.html

A federal appeals court upheld a ruling blocking the Trump administration from taking control of California’s National Guard. We represented nearly a dozen retired senior military officers urged the court to uphold that decision. https://statesunited.org/newsom-v-trump-amicus/

More than 5 million people have lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits since President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill passed last year. That has meant many more people are turning to food banks for support. https://to.pbs.org/47Sb4rd

Twenty-four states will pick chief election officials in 2026. Here are the races to watch.

“Completely out of line with anything that would have happened under any administration.” — Senior Counsel Chelsea Rice on the letter threatening California officials. https://hls.harvard.edu/today/the-worry-over-federal-incursions-into-state-local-elections/

The DOJ has demanded sensitive voter data from dozens of states across the country. States, led by both parties, are pushing back. So far, federal judges have dismissed all 26 DOJ lawsuits. https://statesunited.org/resources/state-voter-data/

ICYMI: DOJ told states where it’ll send federal election monitors and sued Alaska to preemptively block Senate certification. Plus: California pushed back on DOJ’s noncitizen voting claims. https://statesunited.org/count-on-it/

📊 A new poll reveals voters overwhelmingly reject Trump’s election-meddling tactics. Voters were given potential scenarios outlining how federal or state officials might respond to the 2026 election process. Overwhelming majorities disapproved of every tactic: https://demdock.com/4yIGP19

Election season is here, and so are the same tired conspiracy theories from 2020. The truth hasn't changed: strong safeguards ensure only eligible U.S. citizens can vote. Let's not be deceived or distracted. 🗳️

Illinoisans have seen $9.63 billion in federal funding disrupted; that was previously approved by Congress. This impacts law enforcement, public health programs, and schools. This is NOT business as usual. From @statesunited.org & @grantwitness.org: https://www.lostfunds.org/illinois

Floridians have seen $5.13 billion in federal funding disrupted. This includes cuts to agriculture assistance to veterans and a $97M rural internet program, eliminated. This is NOT business as usual. From @statesunited.org & @grantwitness.org: https://www.lostfunds.org/florida

Texans have seen $15.4 billion in federal funding disrupted—more than nearly every other state. That includes $4.4B for health programs and $4.4B for disaster relief. This is NOT business as usual. From @statesunited.org & @grantwitness.org: https://www.lostfunds.org/texas

Black voter turnout higher than normal for Louisiana’s first day of early voting

Early voting is happening now across Maryland. We’re committed to ensuring every eligible Marylander can vote safely, fairly, and accessibly. 📋 Early voting runs through Oct 29. See dates, times, and voting methods: elections.maryland.gov

The winners in the #midterms will be seated, @beckerdavidj.bsky.social explained to @sfchronicle.com. “I am absolutely confident that whoever wins these races will take office," he said. Read more: https://loom.ly/aw0nyyE

Election observation is part of the process. Election interference is not. Know the difference before November 3rd. 👇 https://statesunited.org/resources/election-monitors-observers/

Noncitizen voting is already illegal and exceedingly rare. Threatening election officials with prison isn’t enforcement, it’s intimidation. Our Samantha Trepel in @newsweek.com: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-california-election-officials-jail-noncitizen-voting-12588097

Since taking office, the administration has tried to meddle in the elections process in unprecedented ways, such as trying to change rules for mail voting and voter registration. Here’s how courts have pushed back:

When the federal government tried to attack mail-in voting, we went to court and stopped it. Don't let anyone shake your confidence in our election system. Request your ballot, send it back early, and make your voice heard. elections.ny.gov/request-ballot

Where should voters turn for answers to ballot questions? Their local election officials. https://nbcnews.to/4eGgGsm

“Someone has to hold the line.” That’s what Utah’s Republican Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson told @60minutes.bsky.social about standing up to federal pressure on election officials. These trusted public servants protect your elections and deserve support. https://cbsn.ws/4ytWHnS

Are you #voting by mail in the #midterms? If you haven't returned your ballot yet, do so now to ensure it arrives to election officials on or before #ElectionDay. Deadlines vary by state, but returning your ballot early ensures that it arrives on time and your voice is heard.

Election Day is around the corner. PolitiFact is fact-checking competitive 2026 midterm races across the country. Follow this live blog for our latest fact-checks and updates. buff.ly/p5r13Q2

Today is the last day to register online or by mail to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election. Citizens can still register in person at their city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency, even on Election Day. Register to vote, find your early voting site, and learn more at mi.gov/vote

TODAY (Monday, Oct. 19) is the deadline for registering to vote for the midterms in: - ALABAMA - PENNSYLVANIA - SOUTH DAKOTA And coming up next: Sat, 10/24 — MASSACHUSETTS - NEW YORK More at npr.org/vote

#ELB: “Dissecting DOJ’s Letter to California Election Officials: Empty Threats of Criminal Liability” https://electionlawblog.org/2026/dissecting-dojs-letter-to-california-election-officials-empty-threats-of-criminal-liability/

Following 60 Minutes segment on DOJ harassment of state and local election officials, we just published ... Dissecting DOJ’s Letter to California Election Officials: Empty Threats of Criminal Liability By Samantha Trepel www.justsecurity.org/161204/doj-l...

More than 905,000 military and overseas voters cast ballots in 2024, protected by federal law for nearly 40 years. Our troops and their families deserve to have their votes counted back home. https://statesunited.org/resources/military-overseas-uocava/

As early voting begins in Georgia, election workers are doing the diligent work of running elections: publicly testing voting equipment to ensure every voted is counted accurately. It's an important safeguard built into our elections. https://bit.ly/3TVIF0g

The DOJ has demanded sensitive voter data from dozens of states. States, led by both parties, have refused. Courts have rejected these demands in all 26 cases so far, and just struck down the broader policy as illegal. https://bit.ly/47kUNuM

"The @StatesUnited probe found that the models improved their accuracy over time, and ChatGPT and Google AI both became markedly more accurate in answering election-related inquiries from late 2025 to early 2026." https://bit.ly/47VtyXO

The U.S. Department of Justice is the people’s law firm. But the Trump administration has installed loyalist prosecutors without Senate confirmation. Here’s how the strategy is being challenged: https://bit.ly/4jk6OYC

Noncitizen voting is illegal and incredibly rare. States have rigorous safeguards to ensure only eligible voters can cast ballots. Allegations of illegal voting must be backed up by real evidence. https://reut.rs/4zz28D1

"An August study from @statesunited....concluded “ChatGPT and Google AI offer incomplete and inconsistent responses to common voter questions, even as the accuracy of AI platforms improves.” https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/10/04/nation/like-it-or-not-first-ever-ai-election-is-underway/

NEW: Georgia voters can begin casting ballots toda — but the White House will be watching. Since Trump's return to office, he has exerted the full weight of the federal government against the Peach State. Here's what Georgians need to know as voting starts👇 https://demdock.com/3VxfelI

With Election Day just a few weeks away — and millions of votes already cast — midterm polls are everywhere. While polling can be a helpful tool to understand the electorate, it's not a crystal ball. n.pr/4rZJsJY

TODAY (Tuesday, Oct. 13) is the deadline for registering to vote for the midterms in: - KANSAS - LOUISIANA - NEW JERSEY - OREGON - WEST VIRGINIA And coming up next: Mon, 10/19 — ALABAMA - GUAM - PENNSYLVANIA - SOUTH DAKOTA More at npr.org/vote

“The way elections are being handled by the federal government right now is dangerous, disruptive and in bad faith.” — Republican Utah lieutenant governor States saw this coming and officials are stepping up to protect this year’s elections. https://wapo.st/4rZWIhQ

It’s against federal law to deploy troops around polling places, and the elections board was right to demand it not happen again. Every voter deserves to cast a ballot free from intimidation. https://www.washingtonsun.com/metro/national-guard-dc-ballot-boxes

How are we so confident that someone can only #vote once in an #election? Regardless of how someone casts a ballot, a record is created showing they voted. If they attempted to vote again, records would flag that discrepancy for election officials. Watch our explainer to learn more.

New from @mayahoman.bsky.social: Election workers prepare for early voting as talk of DOJ ‘intervention’ leaves advocates unsettled #gapol

The D.C. Board of Elections says it’s asking the National Guard to avoid standing near D.C.’s ballot drop boxes, which opened today, in the wake of video footage showing them near a box in Foggy Bottom this week: www.washingtonsun.com/metro/nation...

A $1.2M grant to process DNA evidence in sexual assault cases in Texas, canceled. Promised 20% electricity bill cuts for low-income Nevada households, gone. Lost Funds shows the real-life impact of federal funding disruptions in every state: https://www.lostfunds.org/