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A New Playbook for Democracy: Lessons from the States in 2025 - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
2025 was a challenging year for our democracy. But here’s the good news: governors, attorneys general, election officials, law enforcement & military leaders stepped up to defend the American people.
Find out how in our new end-of-year recap: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
Find out how in our new end-of-year recap: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
North Carolina unfortunately is no stranger to natural disasters, and building better infrastructure saves lives. I thank Attorney General Jackson for taking action to preserve our $200 million to protect our water and sewer systems, bridges, and more from floods and wildfires.
North Carolina attorney general wins lawsuit against FEMA
Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced that North Carolina won its lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
wlos.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:45 PM
North Carolina unfortunately is no stranger to natural disasters, and building better infrastructure saves lives. I thank Attorney General Jackson for taking action to preserve our $200 million to protect our water and sewer systems, bridges, and more from floods and wildfires.
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
This is the right decision by the Supreme Court to block the President’s repeated attempts to deploy the National Guard in Illinois.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
December 23, 2025 at 10:53 PM
This is the right decision by the Supreme Court to block the President’s repeated attempts to deploy the National Guard in Illinois.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Due process isn’t optional in America—it's a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. When a federal court issues a ruling, it is not a suggestion; it’s the law.
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/22/nx-s1-5652187/alien-enemies-act-deportations-case
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/22/nx-s1-5652187/alien-enemies-act-deportations-case
Federal judge says U.S. must give due process to deported Venezuelans
Judge James Boasberg said the U.S. denied due process to the Venezuelan men it deported to a prison in El Salvador after President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
www.npr.org
December 23, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Due process isn’t optional in America—it's a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. When a federal court issues a ruling, it is not a suggestion; it’s the law.
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/22/nx-s1-5652187/alien-enemies-act-deportations-case
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/22/nx-s1-5652187/alien-enemies-act-deportations-case
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
We are pleased the court agreed with us: deploying National Guard troops in this manner is unwarranted and damaging to our military. Maintaining the clear line between domestic policing and military service is essential for our institutional integrity.
December 23, 2025 at 9:30 PM
We are pleased the court agreed with us: deploying National Guard troops in this manner is unwarranted and damaging to our military. Maintaining the clear line between domestic policing and military service is essential for our institutional integrity.
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
Today is a big win for Illinois and American democracy.
I am glad the Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump did not have the authority to deploy the federalized guard in Illinois.
I am glad the Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump did not have the authority to deploy the federalized guard in Illinois.
December 23, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Today is a big win for Illinois and American democracy.
I am glad the Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump did not have the authority to deploy the federalized guard in Illinois.
I am glad the Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump did not have the authority to deploy the federalized guard in Illinois.
BREAKING >> The Supreme Court has denied an emergency request by the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago over the objection of state officials, upholding a lower court's ruling that found the move unlawful. www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Supreme Court rejects Trump's bid to deploy National Guard in Illinois
The Trump administration says troops are needed to protect immigration agents in the Chicago area, a move officials there strongly oppose.
www.nbcnews.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:36 PM
BREAKING >> The Supreme Court has denied an emergency request by the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago over the objection of state officials, upholding a lower court's ruling that found the move unlawful. www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
![The Government asked this Court to stay the District Court's order. After the response and reply were filed, JUSTICE BARRETT referred the application to the Court. We directed the parties to file supplemental letter briefs on an issue that the District Court had addressed but the parties' initial briefs had not: the meaning of the term "regular forces" in §12406(3). In its supplemental brief, the Government argues that the term refers to civilian law enforcement officers, such as those employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Federal Protective Service.
Respondents, echoing the District Court, maintain that the term refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary.
We conclude that the term "regular forces" in §12406(3) likely refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary. This interpretation means that to call the Guard into active federal service under §12406(3), the President must be "unable" with the regular military "to execute the laws of the United States." Because the statute requires an assessment of the military's ability to execute the laws, it likely applies only where the military could legally execute the laws. Such circumstances are exceptional: Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the military is prohibited from "execut[ing] the laws" "except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress."
18 U. S. C. §1385. So before the President can federalize the Guard under §12406(3), he likely must have statutory or constitutional authority to execute the laws with the regular military and must be "unable" with those forces to perform that function.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6h7b2i6ttw3l4t7pvbvxdith/bafkreiftbhzwvn3vgwhqsi7k2paizvdw4t26ailljvovso3chqupnmj364@jpeg)
December 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
I was honored to join the Wisconsin State Capitol Police to recognize those officers who have gone above and beyond this year and to personally thank all of our officers for the incredible, real-life impact of their heroic and steadfast service.
December 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM
I was honored to join the Wisconsin State Capitol Police to recognize those officers who have gone above and beyond this year and to personally thank all of our officers for the incredible, real-life impact of their heroic and steadfast service.
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
Our elections are secure because election officials know exactly what they're doing. If you hear common myths or misinformation this holiday season, you can help build confidence by sharing facts straight from the source. https://thefulcrum.us/elections/election-myths-debunk-rebuilding-trust
Rebuilding Trust: Common Election Myths You Can Bust Around the Dinner Table This Holiday Season
As former election officials, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that false narratives and fraying trust in our country’s e
thefulcrum.us
December 23, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Our elections are secure because election officials know exactly what they're doing. If you hear common myths or misinformation this holiday season, you can help build confidence by sharing facts straight from the source. https://thefulcrum.us/elections/election-myths-debunk-rebuilding-trust
According to Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, counties that used a redesigned envelope for their provisional ballots in 2025 “saw rejection rates drop by 11.3% when compared to last year.”
penncapital-star.com/briefs/penns...
penncapital-star.com/briefs/penns...
Pennsylvania’s redesigned provisional ballot envelopes credited with lower rejection rates in 2025 • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The state credited a redesigned provisional ballot envelope for lower rejection rates in the 2025 off-year election compared to last year.
penncapital-star.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM
According to Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, counties that used a redesigned envelope for their provisional ballots in 2025 “saw rejection rates drop by 11.3% when compared to last year.”
penncapital-star.com/briefs/penns...
penncapital-star.com/briefs/penns...
State officials carried a heavy load defending democracy this year. As new challenges emerged, we provided legal, research, and communications support to state leaders in real time.
Check out some of our reports from 2025:🧵⬇️ statesunited.org/reports/
Check out some of our reports from 2025:🧵⬇️ statesunited.org/reports/
December 22, 2025 at 11:38 PM
State officials carried a heavy load defending democracy this year. As new challenges emerged, we provided legal, research, and communications support to state leaders in real time.
Check out some of our reports from 2025:🧵⬇️ statesunited.org/reports/
Check out some of our reports from 2025:🧵⬇️ statesunited.org/reports/
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
The story of Illinois has always been the story of America.
We are, after all, the most American of American states.
America's 250 celebration here will tell that and the stories of the people who made us who we are through every corner of our state.
We are, after all, the most American of American states.
America's 250 celebration here will tell that and the stories of the people who made us who we are through every corner of our state.
December 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
The story of Illinois has always been the story of America.
We are, after all, the most American of American states.
America's 250 celebration here will tell that and the stories of the people who made us who we are through every corner of our state.
We are, after all, the most American of American states.
America's 250 celebration here will tell that and the stories of the people who made us who we are through every corner of our state.
NEW >> State leaders have proven to be one of the most effective stops against the Trump administration, in a year that has seen unprecedented unilateral action from the White House. Get the scoop on why states matter:
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
States Are Now the Check on America’s Executive
Thank goodness for state governments. One of the most underappreciated stories in 2025 was the role states played in checking federal overreach. As the Trump administration barreled through norms, rul...
www.bloomberg.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:30 PM
NEW >> State leaders have proven to be one of the most effective stops against the Trump administration, in a year that has seen unprecedented unilateral action from the White House. Get the scoop on why states matter:
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Exhausted?
Overwhelmed?
Hoping for a better 2026?
Same, same, and SAME. But one shining bright spot of 2025? Seeing how pro-democracy leaders at the state and local levels stepped up to meet the moment and serve.
Take a peek at our brand new 2025 lookback: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
Overwhelmed?
Hoping for a better 2026?
Same, same, and SAME. But one shining bright spot of 2025? Seeing how pro-democracy leaders at the state and local levels stepped up to meet the moment and serve.
Take a peek at our brand new 2025 lookback: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
A New Playbook for Democracy: Lessons from the States in 2025 - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
December 22, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Exhausted?
Overwhelmed?
Hoping for a better 2026?
Same, same, and SAME. But one shining bright spot of 2025? Seeing how pro-democracy leaders at the state and local levels stepped up to meet the moment and serve.
Take a peek at our brand new 2025 lookback: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
Overwhelmed?
Hoping for a better 2026?
Same, same, and SAME. But one shining bright spot of 2025? Seeing how pro-democracy leaders at the state and local levels stepped up to meet the moment and serve.
Take a peek at our brand new 2025 lookback: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
Today, for the first time in six months, Angelenos are living without the National Guard unlawfully deployed in their city.
Our team fought tirelessly against President Trump’s unlawful attempts to militarize American cities, and while the fight is not over, this is a step in the right direction.
Our team fought tirelessly against President Trump’s unlawful attempts to militarize American cities, and while the fight is not over, this is a step in the right direction.
December 15, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Today, for the first time in six months, Angelenos are living without the National Guard unlawfully deployed in their city.
Our team fought tirelessly against President Trump’s unlawful attempts to militarize American cities, and while the fight is not over, this is a step in the right direction.
Our team fought tirelessly against President Trump’s unlawful attempts to militarize American cities, and while the fight is not over, this is a step in the right direction.
2025 was a challenging year for our democracy. But here’s the good news: governors, attorneys general, election officials, law enforcement & military leaders stepped up to defend the American people.
Find out how in our new end-of-year recap: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
Find out how in our new end-of-year recap: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
A New Playbook for Democracy: Lessons from the States in 2025 - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
December 19, 2025 at 8:59 PM
2025 was a challenging year for our democracy. But here’s the good news: governors, attorneys general, election officials, law enforcement & military leaders stepped up to defend the American people.
Find out how in our new end-of-year recap: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
Find out how in our new end-of-year recap: statesunited.org/democracy-le...
2025 made clear what was at stake. As attacks on our democracy intensified, we expanded our work to meet the moment — helping statewide officials uphold the rule of law where it was under pressure and defend the values that Americans hold close.
December 19, 2025 at 4:06 PM
2025 made clear what was at stake. As attacks on our democracy intensified, we expanded our work to meet the moment — helping statewide officials uphold the rule of law where it was under pressure and defend the values that Americans hold close.
In an interview, former U.S. Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers that his team of investigators “developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that President Donald Trump had criminally conspired to overturn the 2020 election.
www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
Jack Smith tells lawmakers his team developed 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' against Trump
The private deposition before the House Judiciary Committee gives the former special counsel his first chance to face questions, albeit behind closed doors, about a pair of investigations into Trump t...
www.pbs.org
December 18, 2025 at 11:33 PM
In an interview, former U.S. Justice Department Special Counsel Jack Smith told lawmakers that his team of investigators “developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt” that President Donald Trump had criminally conspired to overturn the 2020 election.
www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
Ex-Trump lawyer John Dowd defends Jack Smith:
"Smith was once my adversary in a high-profile investigation of a Republican client. In that investigation, Smith proved himself to be fair, impartial and fearlessly committed to the facts … [R]ecent attacks on Smith are motivated by partisan politics."
"Smith was once my adversary in a high-profile investigation of a Republican client. In that investigation, Smith proved himself to be fair, impartial and fearlessly committed to the facts … [R]ecent attacks on Smith are motivated by partisan politics."
Opinion | I'm Trump's former lawyer. Jack Smith should be celebrated, not vilified.
John Dowd: Jack Smith was once my adversary in a high-profile investigation of a Republican client. Smith was fair, impartial and fearlessly committed to the facts and the law.
www.ms.now
December 17, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Ex-Trump lawyer John Dowd defends Jack Smith:
"Smith was once my adversary in a high-profile investigation of a Republican client. In that investigation, Smith proved himself to be fair, impartial and fearlessly committed to the facts … [R]ecent attacks on Smith are motivated by partisan politics."
"Smith was once my adversary in a high-profile investigation of a Republican client. In that investigation, Smith proved himself to be fair, impartial and fearlessly committed to the facts … [R]ecent attacks on Smith are motivated by partisan politics."
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith said that if asked whether he would “prosecute a former president based on the same facts today, I would do so regardless of whether the president was a Republican or Democrat.” https://to.pbs.org/4qkxKI9
Jack Smith tells lawmakers his team developed 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' against Trump
The private deposition before the House Judiciary Committee gives the former special counsel his first chance to face questions, albeit behind closed doors, about a pair of investigations into Trump t...
to.pbs.org
December 17, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith said that if asked whether he would “prosecute a former president based on the same facts today, I would do so regardless of whether the president was a Republican or Democrat.” https://to.pbs.org/4qkxKI9
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
I will continue to defend Colorado and the rule of law, including in the face of the Trump Administration’s latest threats to close NCAR and impose lawless funding cuts.
December 17, 2025 at 11:29 PM
I will continue to defend Colorado and the rule of law, including in the face of the Trump Administration’s latest threats to close NCAR and impose lawless funding cuts.
More than 30 military leaders are speaking out against deploying National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., warning that it risks the military’s nonpartisan reputation, harms troop morale, and weakens readiness in times of need.
Read our brief: statesunited.org/resources/dc...
Read our brief: statesunited.org/resources/dc...
District of Columbia v. Trump — Federalization of the National Guard (DC) - States United Democracy Center
statesunited.org
December 18, 2025 at 7:34 PM
More than 30 military leaders are speaking out against deploying National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., warning that it risks the military’s nonpartisan reputation, harms troop morale, and weakens readiness in times of need.
Read our brief: statesunited.org/resources/dc...
Read our brief: statesunited.org/resources/dc...
Mail-in voting is safe, secure, and trusted by millions of Americans every year.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/republicans-midterms-mail-in-voting-00693867
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/republicans-midterms-mail-in-voting-00693867
Republicans push mail-in voting for the midterms in defiance of Trump
Fearing a turnout slump, Republicans are promoting mail voting to keep Trump’s supporters engaged — even as he tries to end the practice.
www.politico.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Mail-in voting is safe, secure, and trusted by millions of Americans every year.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/republicans-midterms-mail-in-voting-00693867
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/17/republicans-midterms-mail-in-voting-00693867
This year, our research team asked people across the country what they thought about the things they were seeing in the news each day. Their findings tell the story of a bipartisan majority who believe in our democracy.
Here’s what they found. 🧵⬇️
statesunited.org/polling/
Here’s what they found. 🧵⬇️
statesunited.org/polling/
Polling Archives - States United Democracy Center
Explore our polling results and analysis on the major trends in elections and the rule of law.
statesunited.org
December 17, 2025 at 10:08 PM
This year, our research team asked people across the country what they thought about the things they were seeing in the news each day. Their findings tell the story of a bipartisan majority who believe in our democracy.
Here’s what they found. 🧵⬇️
statesunited.org/polling/
Here’s what they found. 🧵⬇️
statesunited.org/polling/
Reposted by States United Democracy Center
NEW: With the 2026 midterms 11 months away, the DOJ is frantically pressuring states to hand over the private data of millions of Americans. One expert speculates this unprecedented push is a "power grab and a fishing expedition...meant to undermine state authority over elections."
As DOJ Sues More States For Voter Rolls, Federal ‘Power Grab’ Comes into Focus
Read about the fight for democracy from activists, elected officials, legal experts and others.
www.democracydocket.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:20 PM
NEW: With the 2026 midterms 11 months away, the DOJ is frantically pressuring states to hand over the private data of millions of Americans. One expert speculates this unprecedented push is a "power grab and a fishing expedition...meant to undermine state authority over elections."