Tag

Constitutional Amendment

All articles tagged with #constitutional amendment

state-politics13 days ago

New York lawmakers mull multiple redistricting amendments as session winds down

Democratic New York lawmakers are weighing several state constitutional amendments to overhaul the redistricting process, aiming to keep options open as the session ends June 4 and the June 23 primary approaches. They may pass multiple versions for a second passage next year, with any change requiring voter referendum. Proposals range from minor tweaks to potentially scrapping the map-drawing commission entirely, while Republicans push for independent redistricting in line with broader national debates after a Virginia court ruling.

Linguistic loophole sinks Virginia’s congressional map
politics13 days ago

Linguistic loophole sinks Virginia’s congressional map

Virginia’s Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, struck down Democrats’ new congressional map after ruling the constitutional amendment to temporarily redraw districts violated timing rules; the majority defined “election” to include the early voting period, meaning more than 1.3 million votes had already been cast when lawmakers approved the amendment, invalidating the April referendum. The dissent argued the term should be read as Election Day. The ruling is part of a broader national redistricting fight and could invite further challenge at higher courts, with midterm implications.

Virginia Supreme Court mulls legality of Democrats’ post‑vote redistricting plan
politics1 month ago

Virginia Supreme Court mulls legality of Democrats’ post‑vote redistricting plan

Virginia’s Supreme Court heard arguments on whether a constitutional amendment voters approved to allow a more Democratic‑leaning redistricting map is legally valid, with Republicans arguing the amendment was not properly timed and Democrats insisting Election Day marks the cutoff; the court has not ruled on merits after allowing a special election, and the outcome could shape whether Democrats secure a 10 of 11 congressional seats in the state.

Djibouti’s Guelleh clinches sixth term amid opposition boycott
world1 month ago

Djibouti’s Guelleh clinches sixth term amid opposition boycott

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh won a sixth term with 97.8% of the vote after a largely opposition-boycotted election; his sole challenger received 2.19%. The race followed a constitutional amendment removing the upper age limit for presidential candidates, extending Guelleh’s 27-year hold on power in a strategically important country that hosts foreign military bases and sits near the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Virginia Democrats appeal ruling blocking mid-decade redistricting plan
politics3 months ago

Virginia Democrats appeal ruling blocking mid-decade redistricting plan

Democrats in Virginia quickly appealed a state court injunction blocking their plan to amend the state constitution to redraw the congressional map, a move that could have delivered up to four additional Democratic seats. Judge Jack S. Hurley Jr. ruled the special session used to advance the amendment exceeded its scope and that the constitution requires an intervening election after first passage, noting the bill was voted on after early voting began for 2025 races. Democrats call the ruling a product of court-shopping and say they will seek to place the amendment before voters in April if the appeal succeeds; the state Court of Appeals will hear the case. The injunction effectively nullifies the General Assembly’s Oct. 31, 2025 vote to amend the constitution.

Virginia court lets redistricting plan proceed as GOP challenge fails
politics4 months ago

Virginia court lets redistricting plan proceed as GOP challenge fails

A Virginia judge rejected Republicans’ emergency bid to block a proposed constitutional amendment that would let lawmakers redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections, ruling courts can’t interfere with an unfinished legislative process. The decision keeps the Democratic redistricting plan on track, which could yield a 10–1 delegation and still requires voter ratification. Republicans had sought to halt the process or sidestep legislative immunity by targeting clerks, but that approach was rejected. The ruling underscores separation of powers as the General Assembly prepares to act on the amendment, a move that holds significance in the national fight over fair representation.

Virginia Moves Forward with Redistricting Amid National GOP Push
politics6 months ago

Virginia Moves Forward with Redistricting Amid National GOP Push

Virginia Senate has approved a constitutional amendment allowing the state to redraw congressional districts mid-decade if another state does so first, aiming to help Democrats in upcoming elections. The amendment, which still needs to pass the House again and be approved by voters, is part of a broader political strategy to influence the 2026 midterms amid legal challenges from Republicans.

Virginia and Ohio Move Forward with Redistricting Amid National Debate
politics6 months ago

Virginia and Ohio Move Forward with Redistricting Amid National Debate

Virginia Democrats are taking steps to redraw the state's congressional map before the 2026 elections by passing a constitutional amendment that would allow the legislature to draw new maps outside the usual decennial cycle, contingent on voter approval and passing through multiple legislative sessions, amidst political debates over process and fairness.

Joe Manchin Advocates for Supreme Court Term Limits Reform
politics1 year ago

Joe Manchin Advocates for Supreme Court Term Limits Reform

Senators Joe Manchin and Peter Welch have proposed a constitutional amendment to impose 18-year term limits on Supreme Court justices, aiming to address the declining public trust in the judiciary. This proposal, which aligns with President Biden's views, would not affect current justices but would create regular vacancies every two years. Despite the initiative, the amendment faces significant hurdles, including Manchin's impending retirement and the challenging ratification process requiring broad legislative and state support. The proposal reflects growing concerns over the Supreme Court's role and partisanship.