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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 2d

With some federal agents now wearing masks on the job, a growing number of states are considering mask bans. Can states apply such laws to federal actors without contravening the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause? We explore this question in a new Explainer: go.wisc.edu/bn0b1c

Explainer: Can States Prohibit Federal Law Enforcement from Masking on the Job?

Bridget Lavender PDF Available Here Published: October 3, 2025 Introduction As the federal government ramps up immigration enforcement under President Trump’s second administration, federal agents som...

go.wisc.edu

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 6d

Join us for “Judging in State Appellate Courts” on Thursday, October 30, from 12:00-1:00 pm CT. This event will take place in-person in Lubar Commons (room 7200) of the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. Lunch will be provided.

go.wisc.edu/zame95

flyer reads: Panel Discussion: Judging in State Appellate Courts with a photo of three chairs in a courtroom. Panelists include Judge Brian Blanchard (Wisconsin Court of Appeals), Judge Elizabeth Bentley (Minnesota Court of Appeals), President Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer (Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court), and Chief Justice Rebeca Martinez (Texas Court of Appeals). This panel will be moderated by Professor Miriam Seifter (University of Wisconsin Law School). Thursday, October 30th, 12-1 pm. Lubar Commons (Room 7200) University of Wisconsin Law School or virtual via Zoom. Lunch will be provided. Register with Eventbrite. Pending approval for 1 CLE credit. State Democracy Research Initiative, University of Wisconsin Law School.

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 6d

Happening tomorrow! There's still time to register here: go.wisc.edu/190re6

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 9d

Although the Pennsylvania Constitution has never included a provision describing the procedure for holding a constitutional convention, the state has held seven constitutional conventions throughout its history.

Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/pa/

image shows the shape of Pennsylvania state with the text: Since 1776, Pennsylvania has held 7 constitutional conventions. Learn the story behind Pennsylvania's Constitution at 50constitutions.org, State Democracy Research Initiative, University of Wisconsin Law School

State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 12d

It's not too late to sign up for our Election Matters event happening next week! For more information and to register, go to go.wisc.edu/190re6

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Reposted by State Democracy Research Initiative

Political Reform and Civic Engagement @politicalreform.newamerica.org · 15d

Join us in Madison on 11/14!
As courts weigh lifting WI's fusion ban, come for a day of cross-partisan expert panels.

@politicalreform.newamerica.org
@centerforballotfreedom.org
@law.wisc.edu
@uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social
@electionscenter.bsky.social

Register here: t.co/04yxGXyiwm

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 19d

North Carolina has passed 37 amendments since adopting its third Constitution in 1971. One of these amendments, passed in 1997, gave the governor the power to veto bills, making North Carolina the last US state to give their governor veto authority.

Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/nc

Background image of the shape of North Carolina with text in front that reads: "In 1997, North Carolina became the last state to give their governor veto authority. Learn the story behind North Carolina's Constitution at 50constitutions.org." State Democracy Research Initiative, University of Wisconsin Law School

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 23d

Staff Attorney @bgodar.bsky.social recaps the Wisconsin Supreme Court's 2024-25 term for @statebarofwi.bsky.social
Wisconsin Lawyer magazine, highlighting key cases on abortion, legislative committee powers, the governor's partial veto, and more: www.wisbar.org/NewsPublicat...

Wisconsin Lawyer: Wisconsin Supreme Court: 2024-25 Term Review and 2025-26 Preview:

www.wisbar.org

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 26d

In 2018 and 2022, Michigan voters amended the constitution to enshrine a series of voting-related provisions, including absentee ballot tracking, pre-paid postage for absentee ballots, and in-person voter registration through the day of the election.

Learn more here: 50constitutions.org/mi/

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 27d

Call for papers for a Scholarship Roundtable on State and Local Governance taking place on 4/10/26 in Ann Arbor!

Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph

call for papers flyer featuring a photo of a capitol building and the following information:
roundtable on state and local governance
April 10, 2026
University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Abstracts due Nov 15, 2025
Final submissions due in late March
for more information, go to go.wisc.edu/rx53ph
Commentators: Sara Bronin, George Washington University Law School
Sheila Foster, Columbia Law School & Columbia University Climate School
Sharon Jacobs, University of California Berkeley School of Law
Alexandra Klass, University of Michigan Law School
Nina Mendelson, University of Michigan Law School
Miriam Seifter, University of Wisconsin Law School
Ganesh Sitaraman, Vanderbilt University Law School
Christopher Walker, University of Michigan Law School
Rob Yablon, University of Wisconsin Law School
State Democracy Research Initiative University of WI Law School

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 27d

Happening in 15 minutes! Watch here: www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Supreme-C...

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 27d

Happening tomorrow! There's still time to register here: go.wisc.edu/7ig7qx

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · 28d

Tomorrow at 12:15 pm CT, the AZ Supreme Court hears Center for Arizona Policy v. Secretary of State—a rare test of state‑constitutional limits on campaign finance disclosure.
Watch: www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Supreme-C...
Amicus from SDRI’s @miriamseifter.bsky.social
& @robyablon.bsky.social (& others):

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Sep 4

It's not too late to sign up for our Education Rights and State Constitutions event happening next week! For more information and to register, go to go.wisc.edu/7ig7qx

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Sep 4

Join us for the next installment in our Election Matters panel series on "Money, Politics, and the First Amendment." This event will explore the impacts of increasingly expensive elections and the tension between campaign finance regulation and free speech. Register here: go.wisc.edu/190re6

Election Matters 2025 Flyer - Money, Politics and the First Amendment
Friday, October 3, 3-4:15 pm in room 2260 of the UW Law School
Live Stream Option Available
featuring Barry Burden, Benjamin Ginsberg, Saurav Ghosh, Raymond La Raja, and Abby Wood
register and learn more at go.wisc.edu/190re6

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Sep 3

📢Call for papers for a Scholarship Roundtable on State and Local Governance, organized by @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social and Professors Alexandra Klass, Nina Mendelson, and @chrisjwalker.bsky.social and taking place at @umichlaw.bsky.social, 4/10/26 in Ann Arbor!

Details here: go.wisc.edu/rx53ph

Committed Commentators to Date:

Sara Bronin, George Washington University Law School
Sheila Foster, Columbia Law School & Columbia University Climate School
Alexandra Klass, University of Michigan Law School
Nina Mendelson, University of Michigan Law School
Miriam Seifter, University of Wisconsin Law School
Ganesh Sitaraman, Vanderbilt University Law School
Christopher Walker, University of Michigan Law School
Rob Yablon, University of Wisconsin Law School

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Aug 29

Arizona was the first state to adopt a constitutional provision requiring campaign finance disclosure. The provision was included in the state's original constitution and remains in the constitution to this day.

Learn more at 50constitutions.org/az.

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Reposted by State Democracy Research Initiative

Miriam Seifter @miriamseifter.bsky.social · Aug 21

My latest scholarship roundup up for @statecourtreport.org covers interesting new work on state constitutions, state courts, federalism, and more. (Sorry to report that it’s the back-to-school edition!)

statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...

Back-to-School Scholarship Roundup: State Courts, Constitutional Law, and Federalism

Recent books and law review articles discuss voter disenfranchisement, separation of church and state, and much more.

statecourtreport.org

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Aug 15

Join us for “Education Rights and State Constitutions” on Friday, September 12 from 3:00-4:15pm Central Time, with a reception to follow. This event will take place in-person in Room 2260 in the UW Law School, with the option to attend virtually. go.wisc.edu/7ig7qx

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Aug 8

States can also seek to give people a right to sue for damages if federal officials unconstitutionally harm them. A few states already have such laws, and others are considering them. Efforts to use these laws will no doubt be contested, but states have good legal responses. 3/3 go.wisc.edu/l6z2yx

Explainer: State-Created Damages Remedies Against Federal Officials

Harrison Stark, Senior Counsel PDF Available Here Published: August 1, 2025 Introduction & Summary What recourse do people have if federal agents violate their constitutional rights? In recent months,...

go.wisc.edu

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Aug 8

Perhaps surprisingly, there is a long tradition of state and local prosecutors pursuing charges against federal actors. The U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause puts some important limits on such prosecutions, but it doesn’t foreclose them entirely. 2/ go.wisc.edu/k0s17n

Explainer: Can States Prosecute Federal Officials?

Bryna Godar, Staff Attorney PDF Available Here Published: July 17, 2025 As state and local officials increasingly clash with federal officials over immigration enforcement,[1] policing of protests,[2]...

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Aug 8

Can states criminally prosecute wrongdoing by federal officials? Can states authorize people to bring civil damages actions against federal officials who act unconstitutionally? We explore these questions in two new explainers. 1/ go.wisc.edu/yb8t55

Exploring State Checks Against Federal Overreach

States have many tools to help counter federal abuses of power. Facing a torrent of controversial federal government actions, states today are pursuing or considering an array of options. In a series ...

go.wisc.edu

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Aug 6

Staff Attorney @bgodar.bsky.social recaps the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s landmark separation-of-powers decision in Evers v. Marklein for @brennancenter.org's @statecourtreport.org, explaining how it strikes down legislative vetoes over administrative rulemaking: statecourtreport.org/our-work/ana...

Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down Legislative Vetoes

The case marks a major shift in how Wisconsin’s government functions.

statecourtreport.org

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Jul 31

🚨50 Constitutions Update🚨

Our latest update to 50constitutions.org adds tracking constitutional change features to 4 additional states!

These tools allow users to explore a state's full amendment history.

50constitutions.org

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State Democracy Research Initiative @uwlawdemocracy.bsky.social · Jul 18

The WI Supreme Court wrapped up its 2024-25 term with high-profile decisions on abortion, legislative committee vetoes, and more. Check out @bgodar.bsky.social’s explainer for a review of the term’s key cases and a preview of what’s to come: statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/202...

Wisconsin Supreme Court 2024-25 Term Review and 2025-26 Preview

Bryna Godar, Staff Attorney PDF Available Here Published: July 16, 2025 The 2024–25 Wisconsin Supreme Court term wrapped up this summer with a series of high-profile decisions, including on abortion, ...

statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu

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