• Categories

  • Post Archives

    • > Follow us on Twitter
    • Latest Posts

    • Meta

    Posts Tagged
    ‘young voters’



    NC: Photo ID vetoed

    Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

    Some good news in the war on voting.

    Today, Governor Beverly Perdue of North Carolina vetoed the photo ID bill passed by the General Assembly. This bill would have required everyone to show a government-issued photo ID in order to get a ballot, even though about 460,000 currently registered voters – including many seniors, minorities, and students – don’t have the right kind of photo ID, . Her veto statement is here:

    The right to choose our leaders is among the most precious freedoms we have – both as Americans and North Carolinians. North Carolinians who are eligible to vote have a constitutionally guaranteed right to cast their ballots, and no one should put up obstacles to citizens exercising that right.

    We must always be vigilant in protecting the integrity of our elections. But requiring every voter to present a government-issued photo ID is not the way to do it. This bill, as written, will unnecessarily and unfairly disenfranchise many eligible and legitimate voters. The legislature should pass a less extreme bill that allows for other forms of identification, such as those permitted under federal law.

    There was a time in North Carolina history when the right to vote was enjoyed only by some citizens rather than by all. That time is past, and we should not revisit it.

    Therefore, I veto this bill.

    You can check out news coverage here and here.

    Thomas Bates
    Bio: Thomas is Rock the Vote's Vice President of Civic Engagement.
    @BatesThomas
    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com



    News Round-Up: Tuesday, June 21, 2011

    Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

    Obama will announce his plan for Afghanistan tomorrow, a North Caronlina man robs a bank for health care, plaintiffs will pursue the Wal-Mart case, and we may need to take drastic efforts to keep our oceans alive.  Meanwhile, Mitt Romney remains the GOP 2012 frontrunner, while Huntsman officially launches his campaign.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRUCIAL:

    Obama to announce plan to pull 30,000 troops out of Afghanistan, http://bit.ly/msGyl0

    President Obama will announce tomorrow how he plans to end the war in Afghanistan. Specifically, he will address his schedule to bring troops home and how Afghanistan government will take responsibility.

    N.C. Man Allegedly Robs Bank of $1 to Get Health Care in Jail, http://abcn.ws/lzzB9y

    A 59-year-old North Carolina man robbed a bank, demanding just one dollar. What he was really after, though, was the health care he would get in prison. After handing his robbery note to the teller, he told her he would be “sitting right over here, on the chair, waiting for the police.”

    Despite Setback, Plaintiffs to Pursue Wal-Mart Cases, http://nyti.ms/jHS2xO

    The Supreme Court ruled that the 1.5 million women who worked at Wal-Mart could not file a class-action lawsuit together. The court did not make a decision on the allegation of gender discrimination, but it is a major blow to plaintiffs regardless. In her dissent, Justice Ginsburg noted that while 70% of hourly employees are women, only a third of management employees are female.

    24 killed in twin bombings in Iraq, http://wapo.st/mErDhn

    Two car bombs in south-central Iraq detonated at a compound that includes both the governor’s home and the provincial government headquarters.  Nobody died from the first detonation, but when police and emergency personnel arrived, the second car bomb exploded which killed at least 24 and injured at least 40.

    State Of The Ocean: ‘Shocking’ Report Warns Of Mass Extinction From Current Rate Of Marine Distress, http://huff.to/iPe0H3

    Scientists warn that a mass man-made extinction of marine life is on the way if drastic steps aren’t taken. All coral reefs could be gone by 2050, and oysters are already “functionally extinct” in the oceans.

    Fresh Libya civilian deaths pile pressure on NATO,
    http://yhoo.it/jkn30j

    The Libyan government reports that 19 civilians were killed in a NATO air strike on Monday.  Khouildi Hamidi, a member of Libya’s 12-strong Revolutionary Command Council, remains alive but some of his family members have been killed.  If the civilian death count is confirmed, the NATO-led military alliance could feel even more strain, as this operation is taking longer and costing more than planned.

    Montana ranks fourth-best in access for young voters, http://bit.ly/lVXIQY

    Rock the Vote’s Scorecard ranks Montana high in its treatment of young voters ages 18 to 29. “By providing Election Day registration, making the ballot box accessible and prioritizing teaching civics in high schools, Montana has addressed some of the key components of a modern and functioning elections system,” said Heather Smith, president of Rock the Vote.

    (via POLITICO Breaking News)
    Jon Huntsman officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for president on Tuesday at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. “Today I’m a candidate for the office of president of the United States of America,” the former Utah governor and ambassador to China told a crowd of supporters.

    CULTURAL:

    Green Mile Actor, 51, Marries 16-Year-Old Aspiring Country Singer; Says “True Love Can Be Ageless,” http://eonli.ne/jTIuny

    Q&A: Brian Grazer And Ron Howard On 25 Years Together As Imagine Partners, http://bit.ly/jYKwGP

    Roger Ebert derided after tweet on Ryan Dunn’s death, http://bit.ly/kRi3vt

    Amy Winehouse Cancels Entire Tour, http://bit.ly/jcXqis

    Isner-Mahut II: What were the odds? http://bit.ly/lX0Hzs

    Katie Scholick
    Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com



    News Round-Up: Monday, June 20, 2011

    Monday, June 20th, 2011

    A NATO missile kills civilians in Tripoli, loosened regulations of nuclear power plants may make them more dangerous, Rep. Giffords heads home to Tucson, and Bill Clinton has 14 recommendations for fixing unemployment.

    Also, USA Today reports on the record number of laws passed this year that require voters to show photo identification at the polls (http://usat.ly/lFznG9), and E.J. Dionne Jr. of the Washington Post writes how states’ restrictive voter laws are helping to rig the 2012 election (http://wapo.st/l1k6qF).

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    NATO Admits Missile Hit a Civilian Home in Tripoli, http://nyti.ms/lCgwhs

    On Sunday, NATO acknowledged that a missile hit a civilian home in Tripoli. The missile may have killed a handful of innocent civilians. Reporters have seen at least five of the bodies, and Libyan officials claim at least four more were killed.

    Backlog of Cases Gives a Reprieve on Foreclosures, http://nyti.ms/jJxqec

    With the huge number of foreclosures due to the recession, many states do not have the time to kick everyone in foreclosure out of their homes. In New York it would take 62 years to do so, and in New Jersey it would take 49. Courts are becoming more strict after banks were found to use inaccurate “robo-signers” to generate court documents.

    AP IMPACT: US nuke regulators weaken safety rules, http://yhoo.it/kaMmFq

    Federal regulators have been loosening standards on nuclear power plants to keep aging reactors from being closed. An AP investigation found that leaks were allowed 20 times over the original limit. The AP says these practices could “escalate dangers” for not just workers in the plants, but also for “billions of dollars and 19 percent of America’s electricity.”

    For Giffords, a Brief Taste of Her Old Life in Tucson, http://nyti.ms/iXwRHC

    Representative Gabrielle Giffords returns home to Tucson, AZ for the first time since a gunman shot her on January 8th.  She now has a permanent shunt implanted that will drain fluids through a plastic tube into her abdominal cavity.

    It’s Still the Economy, Stupid, http://bit.ly/m2WFaj

    Curious as to what 42nd president Bill Clinton thinks about the economy? With fourteen million Americans unemployed, Clinton outlines 14 ways to get people back to work.

    More states require ID to vote, http://usat.ly/lFznG9

    USA Today reports on the record number of laws passed this year that require voters to show photo IDs at the polls. The paper notes that the wave of Republican victories in the midterm elections gave the GOP the majorities it needed in many state legislatures to pass the laws. Obama strategist David Axelrod called the legislation a “calculated strategy to hold down voter turnout.”

    Is CA Doing Enough to “Rock the Vote?” http://bit.ly/kKmYPC

    California ranked 10th in the Rock the Vote Scorecard. The state could improve it score by allowing online voter registration and same-day registration.

    Rick Perry scouts 2012 bid,
    http://politi.co/kRjT57

    Rick Perry, Governor of Texas since George Bush left to become president, is scouting out a possible presidential run of his own. His closest political adviser saying the chances are 50-50. Perry, popular with the Tea Party, would be an “instant contender” for the nomination.

    Not only .coms as Internet body throws open domain names, http://reut.rs/iAIrxI

    Today there are only 22 “top level domains” online, like .com, .gov, or .edu. Soon anyone starting a website will be able to use whatever domain he or she would like, provided this said person has $185,000 to spend on it. Corporations will likely be the first to register their brand names, such as .toyota or .coke, but communities could follow with names like .nyc or .london.

    CULTURAL:

    A Fresh Young Star Easily Wins the Open, and the Fans’ Affection, http://nyti.ms/jgMXfJ

    21-year-old Californian wins Miss USA crown, http://yhoo.it/m2F5UD

    CNN’s Ed Henry Jumps To Fox News To Become Chief White House Correspondent, http://bit.ly/mFWuBO

    50 Cent Working On Anti-Bullying Novel, http://bit.ly/kum4Q1

    Katie Scholick
    Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com



    News Round-Up: Friday, June 17, 2011

    Friday, June 17th, 2011

    Saudi women fight the ban on female drivers, Weiner’s successor will likely have lame-duck status, and a man is arrested for suspicious activity near the Pentagon.  Also, Conservatives may be able to harness the youth vote, and Idaho is ranked in the top third of the Rock the Vote scorecard.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    ‘Saudi women, start your engines:’ Campaign against driving ban hits the road, http://wapo.st/j4eipm

    Several women in Saudi Arabia defied the country’s ban on female drivers by taking to the country’s capital’s streets on Friday. One supporter said that some Saudi men even drove around in women’s clothes to confuse the police. In addition to driving, Saudi women cannot vote, and must get permission from a male guardian to work or travel.

    For Weiner’s Successor, Perhaps, Lame-Duck Status, http://nyti.ms/jtB6zD

    Weiner is out, but who’s in? Whoever wins the special election to replace Anthony Weiner in New York will likely see his or her new district eliminated in 2012, meaning the candidate will have to run against another incumbent for reelection.

    Al Qaeda-related statements, backpack found in suspicious vehicle stopped near Pentagon, http://nyp.st/k1gCIE

    The FBI, the Pentagon Police, and the US Park Police rushed to the Pentagon and nearby Arlington National Cemetery this morning to arrest a man due to alleged terrorist activity. The man, a naturalized US citizen from Ethiopia, is suspected of planting “suspicious devices” in the area. His car reportedly contained ammonium nitrate, notebooks with al Qaeda references, and 9mm shells.

    B.C. Premier promises to expose rioters to public gaze, http://bit.ly/jimhAW

    Canada’s two national stereotypes, politeness and hockey-obsession, clashed when the Vancouver Canucks lost to the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals. Vancouver fans rioted violently in the streets, looting, turning over cars and setting fires. 100 people have already been arrested. Police have vowed to use photos and videos taken by spectators to track track down more.

    Rock the Vote: Idaho in Top Third for Young Voters, http://bit.ly/jKxVz3

    Rock the Vote ranks Idaho 18th in the Voting System Scorecard. The state does have same-day registration, but it also requires voters show a photo ID at the polls.

    Conservatives may be able to harness youth disillusionment in 2012, http://bit.ly/lHJ3xD

    With young people currently worried about their futures, unemployment, and student loan debt, Conservatives may be able to harness the youth vote.  In a recent poll, only 31% of respondents age 18-29 approve of how Obama has handled youth unemployment, while 44% of respondents do not approve.

    Memory Implant Gives Rats Sharper Recollection, http://nyti.ms/lyxzpG

    By testing a device that imitates the firing patterns of neurons, scientists have proven that cognitive function of the brain can be improved. The implant restored lost memory function and strengthened recall of new information. This discovery could lead to the development of devices for humans who suffer from dementia, stroke, or other brain injuries.

    CULTURAL:

    ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2′ Trailer: 5 Key Scenes, http://bit.ly/lUpoKv

    ‘Green Lantern’ Opens To $3.35M Midnights, http://bit.ly/jgsR02

    Britney Spears Kicks Off ‘Flashiest’ Tour Yet, http://on.mtv.com/iGROuK

    Is J.K. Rowling Working On More Harry Potter? http://bit.ly/jBOl67

    Rick Ross Praises Tupac At 40th Celebration, Mike Epps Gives $10k, http://bit.ly/iPIHvB

    Katie Scholick
    Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com



    News Round-Up: Thursday, June 16, 2011

    Thursday, June 16th, 2011

    The White House maintains that Obama did not violate the War Powers Act, Ayman al-Zawahri takes officially over al Qaeda, Iran sends a monkey to space, and Weiner will resign.  Meanwhile, the Republicans worry about their 2012 candidates, Facebook may create its own app store, Prince Harry takes his second tour in Afghanistan, and Crystal Harris calls off her wedding with Hugh Hefner.

    Rock the Vote President Heather Smith discusses the fact that states’ voting systems are failing young Americans, and explains why they deserve better in an Op-Ed for The Hill: http://bit.ly/lRVnkI. In Montana, KPAX talks about the state’s #4 ranking on the Rock the Vote Scorecard: http://bit.ly/mx1DfI.

    Caitlin, Katie, + Perry

    CRITICAL:

    White House Defends Continuing U.S. Role in Libya Operation, http://nyti.ms/jNaDOK

    The White House maintains that President Obama had the authority to continue the military operations in Libya without Congressional approval, as the limited American role does not require authorization under the War Powers Act.  The administration believes that the United States action in Libya does not constitute the “hostilities” imagined by the War Powers Resolution.

    Bin Laden deputy Zawahri takes over as Qaeda leader,
    http://yhoo.it/jMp99F

    Osama bin Laden’s number two man, Ayman al-Zawahri has taken command of al Qaeda.  Zawahri has vowed to continue al Qaeda’s mission against the United States and its allies.  The FBI is offering $25 million for information regarding his whereabouts, although he is suspected to be hiding along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

    Iran plans to send monkey into space, http://bit.ly/iuaPhW

    Iranian state television reported today that plans are on track to launch a live monkey into space sometime this summer. Last year Iran sent a rat, turtles and worms into space aboard its Kavoshgar-3 rocket. The US and its allies fear that ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads could be next.

    Weiner Tells Friends He Will Step Down,
    http://nyti.ms/jwlmim

    Sen. Weiner may not last much longer in the Senate. After being pushed to resign by Nancy Pelosi and President Obama, Weiner has told confidants that he will leave the Senate.

    Montana ranks 4th in youth vote survey, http://bit.ly/mx1DfI

    Rock the Vote has ranked Montana #4 on its Voter Scorecard.  Had the governor not vetoed a photo ID law passed by the Legislature, Montana’s score would have severely suffered.

    Kindergarten GOP, http://bit.ly/ls0Rg0; http://gaw.kr/jTIo9R

    Stephen Colbert satirically explains how the GOP can win the youth vote, exploring a Conservative’s tactic of creating a horror film that is targeted towards young people and laced with values usually aligned with the Republican party.

    The GOP’s unfavorite son primary, http://politi.co/mebUAb

    Most GOP presidential candidates are losing home state popularity, making many Republicans worry about their 2012 prospects. While states used to fully back their candidates’ national aspirations, 2012 hopefuls do not have this same support.

    Facebook going Spartan to take on Apple?, http://cnet.co/ir65C9

    Apple users have downloaded 14 billion apps. In turn, the company has paid developers $2.5 billion, but that’s only after Apple takes its share of those profits. Facebook is looking to compete with Apple’s App Store by creating its own app system.

    CULTURAL:

    Prince Harry Prepares for More Afghanistan War Duty, http://eonli.ne/j0fPDj

    Hugh Hefner & Crystal Harris — The Wedding is OFF!!!, http://bit.ly/kAK1XS

    Cable Show: Oprah Says Of OWN Launch ‘I’d Probably Do It Differently’, http://bit.ly/jE8f1H

    Teacher In Massachusetts Suspended For Showing Eminem Video to 7th Graders, http://bit.ly/lq7RIh

    Jimmy Henchman’s Lawyer Calls Dexter Isaac A ‘Liar’ Over Tupac Claims, http://bit.ly/jPQznR

    Katie Scholick
    Bio: Duke University, Class of 2013 Majoring in Psychology, Certificate in Markets and Management.

    Email the author at: blog(at)rockthevote.com