States of Democracy

This week we take a deep dive into Florida’s political waters with Steve Mort and Krystel Knowles of NewsNight on Central Florida PBS. We talk contentious counties, redistricting woes, restoring voting rights for felons, and Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies and presidential ambitions. But first, a look at the latest election legislation news nationwide with Voting Rights lab’s Liz Avore.

We’re talking Texas! This week we go in depth on all the latest election and voting news in the Lone Star State with Houston Public Media Reporter Andrew Schneider. We discuss Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial, updates on the elimination of the Harris County election administration office, a trial currently underway challenging the omnibus 2021 elections bill, and more. But first, the latest in voting rights news across the nation. Megan Bellamy, Vice President of Policy at Voting Rights Lab, a nonpartisan organization that tracks voting law and legislation, joins.

First up, we’ll visit Wisconsin, where two very important elections are coming up on April 4. Voters will decide on a new Wisconsin supreme court justice, and their choice might ultimately impact the 2024 presidential election—maybe that’s why candidates are smashing campaign spending records in this race. And, in a Milwalkee suburb, a special election will determine whether Republicans will win a two-thirds majority in the state senate, giving them, among other things, the power to impeach local officials. We’ll get into all that and more, with our guest, PBS Wisconsin Senior Political Reporter Zac Schultz.

Join host Molly Enking along with PBS and public media reporters from all 50 states, as they wade through the murky and often confusing world of state legislatures and voting laws. This new interview series is brought to you by Preserving Democracy, a public media initiative by the WNET Group, that tracks efforts at all levels of government to both limit and protect voter participation in America.