On Politics: Preaching the gospel of voting
Greetings! It’s Rebecca Morin, senior national news reporter at Paste BN. There are only two things on my mind these days: the election and hopes of cuddling a cow after the election.
We’re officially three weeks away from Election Day. And a lot is happening with campaigns and the voting process. Luckily for you, dear On Politics Reader, we’re keeping track of it every day as it happens in real time. Follow along here.
Rock the vote (literally): Pastor preaches the gospel of voting at a go-go club
A pastor, a go-go club and the gospel of voting. I promise, there’s no punchline there. With the election several weeks away, get-out-to-vote efforts are full steam ahead. One Maryland pastor, Tony Lee, decided to meet voters where they are: a nightclub. It’s part of a whirlwind campaign to hit dozens of Maryland clubs in the weeks leading up to Election Day. Read more.
On the trail: Trump bops on stage to the beat of his musical playlist
GOP Presidential nominee Donald Trump cut short a Pennsylvania town hall on Monday night after a pair of medical emergencies interrupted his campaign event. The former president bopped around on stage for nearly 40 minutes to his musical playlist that includes artists from Luciano Pavarotti to the Village People. His behavior on Monday prompted jabs from Democrat Kamala Harris’ campaign, with the vice president joking "Hope he's okay." Read more.
- Watch: Trump's unusual Pennsylvania town hall had medical incidents, 'musical fest'
A politics pit stop
- High hopes: Why legal psychedelics face more obstacles than cannabis
- From prepped to panicked: How different generations feel about retirement
- Watch: These golf cart riders cast their ballots in true Florida style
- Trump is holding rallies in liberal cities. Then, he trashes them
Congress made overturning elections harder, but loopholes remain
Congress passed the Electoral Count Reform Act after Donald Trump’s efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss in hopes it would safeguard future elections. But there are some loopholes that the 2024 election loser could exploit. And local officials are already testing those holes. Read more.
You asked, On Politics answers: Ballot measures
Don’t forget, you can always ask me questions on any and all things politics! One reader asked: “Why do some states allow voters to petition to have issues placed on the statewide ballot, while others like North Carolina do not.”
The simple answer is: state laws. As you noted, some states allow for citizens to get ballot measures added to a ballot. Others don’t. Each state has their own laws on what the process is to get initiatives added to a ballot. According to the Council of State Governments, 26 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the citizen initiative process that allows issues to be voted on.
‘Panda-monium’
It’s true. Pandas are back in Washington D.C.! After pandas first left the Smithsonian National Zoo about 11 months ago, a new pair of pandas, a female named Qing Bao and a male named Bao Li, will fill the void. The public won’t be able to meet them for at least a month. But I know I can’t wait to bear the cold to catch a glimpse of DC’s newest residents.
Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.
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