Search query: virginia
California Lawmakers Push Back on Federal AI Regulation Ban Buried in 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act'
Given the state’s role as home to many leading AI companies, a bipartisan coalition of California legislators is urging Congress to strike a little-noticed provision from the sweeping federal tax package that would block states and local governments from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for the next decade.
27 May, 2025
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6 min read
Joe Manchin Slams W.Va. Ranked Choice Ban, Says Some Politicians 'Don't Want to Compete; They Just Want Control'
Former US Senator Joe Manchin publicly condemned recent moves by West Virginia lawmakers to ban ranked choice voting and potentially restrict independent voters from participating in primary elections, calling the developments "political gamesmanship."
12 May, 2025
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3 min read
In 3 States, Partisans Pick the Secretary of State Without Voter or Executive Input
In 47 US states, the secretary of state is a recognized statewide office, and in most of those states, voters get to decide who holds it. But in three 3 states — Maine, Tennessee, and New Hampshire — the legislature holds that power exclusively.
29 Apr, 2025
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7 min read
Charlottesville's First Use of Ranked Choice Voting is Unique -- Here's Why
Primary elections are scheduled in Charlottesville, Virginia, on June 17. However, there is something different about this election: It is the first time the city will use ranked choice voting (RCV).
29 Apr, 2025
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4 min read
New Report: We Already Know Who Will Win 81% of US House Races in 2026
New analysis from the nonpartisan better elections group FairVote reveals a grim picture of American democracy: Congressional elections are becoming even less competitive and easier to predict -- with the vast majority of House seats effectively decided long before voters cast their ballots.
28 Apr, 2025
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2 min read
Tariffs and Vape Ban Could Push California’s Cannabis Market Further Underground
California’s legal cannabis industry, long weighed down by high taxes and regulation, is facing new threats: steep federal tariffs on key imports and a proposed statewide ban on disposable vapes.
11 Apr, 2025
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3 min read
Mayors of America's Largest Cities Embrace Ranked Choice Voting
Mayors of big cities across the country are coming out in support of ranked choice voting (RCV). RCV is currently used in 46 U.S. cities, including the most populous cities in seven states.
31 Mar, 2025
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3 min read
Arlington County Board Votes 4-0 to Extend Ranked Choice Voting -- But There's More
The Arlington County Board voted 4-0 to continue using ranked choice voting (RCV) in its 2025 County Board general election, reaffirming its position as Virginia's first county to implement the system. It carried broad support despite some concerns about funding for community outreach and voter education.
24 Feb, 2025
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2 min read
Virginia Senate Advances Bill to Expand Ranked Choice Voting in Local Elections
The Virginia Senate approved a bill Monday that would expand the authority of local governments to conduct elections using ranked choice voting (RCV). The bill (SB1009) grants cities, counties, and towns the ability to implement RCV for all elections.
04 Feb, 2025
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2 min read
How the Filibuster Delivers for Independent Voters
Whether or not you like the filibuster probably depends on whether your “team” has control of the Senate. If your team has control of the upper chamber, you’re likely frustrated by this procedural motion. If you’re in the minority, you’re happy that the filibuster exists because it stops what you view as bad policy from advancing.
28 Jan, 2025
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10 min read