Stoic Times

politics

Runoff in Peru Offers Two Starkly Differing Visions for the Nation

Peru Faces a Choice Between Two Futures. This Is Called an Election.

What Happened

Peru is heading into a presidential runoff election between two candidates presenting sharply contrasting visions for the country's direction. Runoffs occur when no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round, forcing a second vote between the top two finishers.

What's In Your Control

If you are Peruvian: your vote, your conversations with neighbors, your engagement with local candidates and issues. If you are not Peruvian: whether you follow the results, and how deeply you choo...

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politics via NPR, NY Times

Supreme Court is death knell for Virginia's Democratic-friendly congressional maps

Virginia's Congressional Map Redrawn Again. It Has Been Redrawn Before. It Will Be Redrawn Again.

What Happened

The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down Virginia's congressional district maps, which had been drawn in a manner favorable to Democratic candidates. The ruling will require new maps to be redrawn, likely affecting the composition of Virginia's congressional delegation. The decision adds Virginia t...

What's In Your Control

Whether you understand your current congressional district and who represents you regardless of how lines are drawn. Whether you participate in public redistricting comment periods in your state. W...

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politics

Thrown-out ballots and map confusion: Voters are losing the redistricting battle

Gerrymandering Disenfranchises Voters Again. It Has Done So Since 1812. The Fight Continues.

What Happened

Voters in multiple jurisdictions are having ballots invalidated and experiencing confusion due to redistricting changes — redrawn electoral maps that have altered precinct boundaries, polling places, and district assignments. Some voters are casting ballots in the wrong precincts as a result of t...

What's In Your Control

Confirming your current polling place before election day at vote.org or your state's official election website. Requesting a provisional ballot if told you're in the wrong precinct — federal law r...

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politics

In Indiana Primary Elections, Most Trump-Backed Challengers Beat Incumbents

Trump-Backed Candidates Win Indiana Primaries. The Republican Party Continues Its Realignment.

What Happened

In Indiana's primary elections, the majority of Republican challengers endorsed by Donald Trump defeated incumbent officeholders. This represents a continuation of Trump's influence over Republican primary contests, reshaping the party's candidate roster ahead of general elections.

What's In Your Control

Whether you vote in your own state's primaries — which have far more impact per voter than general elections. Whether you track which specific offices (state legislature, judiciary, local) were aff...

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politics

Modi's BJP conquers Bengal, one of India's toughest political frontiers

BJP Wins West Bengal. India's Political Map Shifts, As It Has Before.

What Happened

Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made significant electoral gains in West Bengal, a state that has historically been dominated by left-wing and regional parties. West Bengal, home to nearly 100 million people, has long resisted BJP's national dominance, making this a notable shift...

What's In Your Control

If you are an Indian voter in West Bengal: your vote, your local civic engagement, and your ability to hold elected representatives accountable regardless of party. If you follow Indian geopolitics...

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politics

In many states, election-denying candidates are running to control voting

Election Skeptics Seek Election Offices. Democracy Has Survived This Tension Before.

What Happened

Across multiple U.S. states, candidates who have publicly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election are running for positions that oversee elections — secretary of state, election board members, and similar roles. These positions carry real authority over how ballots are counted...

What's In Your Control

Whether you are registered to vote. Whether you vote in state and local races — where these offices are actually decided. Whether you research candidates for secretary of state and election board r...

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politics via CNN, NY Times

Trump’s Push for Electoral Retribution Heads to the Ballot Box

Incumbent Party Targets Political Opponents at Midterms. Democracy's Oldest Ritual Proceeds.

What Happened

The Trump administration is backing primary challenges against Republican lawmakers who opposed Trump during his first term or voted for his impeachment. These efforts aim to replace disloyal Republicans with loyalists ahead of upcoming elections. The strategy is a continuation of intra-party con...

What's In Your Control

Whether you vote in your local primary. Whether you research the specific candidates in your district rather than reacting to national framing. Whether you donate to or volunteer for candidates who...

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politics

Supreme Court paves the way for largest-ever drop in Black representation in Congress

Supreme Court Allows Louisiana Redistricting Ruling to Stand. The Fight Over Who Gets to Draw Lines Continues.

What Happened

The Supreme Court has allowed a lower court ruling to proceed that requires Louisiana to redraw its congressional district maps. The redrawn maps are expected to reduce Black-majority districts, which could result in fewer Black representatives elected to Congress from Louisiana — potentially the...

What's In Your Control

Whether you contact your state's elected representatives about redistricting reform. Whether you participate in your state's redistricting comment process, which is often open to the public. Whethe...

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politics

Peru's election: A battle for the Presidency amid political chaos and crime

Peru Holds Election Amid Familiar Turmoil. Democracy Stumbles Forward.

What Happened

Peru is conducting a presidential election while experiencing ongoing political instability and rising crime rates. The country has faced repeated governmental crises and leadership changes in recent years.

What's In Your Control

Whether you follow detailed election coverage (probably unnecessary unless you're Peruvian). If you have Peruvian friends or business interests, checking on their wellbeing. Your vote in your own c...

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