Beyond the Network: April 15, 2011

Here’s some of the news, reports, and general happenings from beyond the Midwest Democracy Network. Included here are some updates on voter ID bills outside of the region, news on corporate contribution disclosure, judicial merit selection, redistricting news, and net neutrality.

Voter ID bills are gaining traction in the Midwest including Minnesota and Ohio. Stateline takes a look at voter ID laws and proposals across the country. Stateline: Newly empowered GOP pushes voter ID

Maryland,  this week, passed a landmark campaign finance disclosure bill.  Disclosure is required for independent expenditures and electioneering communications. Additionally, companies that spend money on campaigns in Maryland must disclose that spending to their shareholders. Read more at the Brennan Center: Maryland jumps to the head of the class

Gavel to Gavel released a special issue of their newsletter this week,  focused on merit selection in the states. This edition of the newsletter will look at attempts to adopt, reform, or eliminate merit selection. Gavel to Gavel: Special edition on merit selection

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights announced their Redistricting Program this week. The Redistricting Program seeks to “ensure that minority voters have every opportunity to engage in the redistricting process,” and to monitor the redistricting cycle in states covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Read more on their website—Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law: Voting Rights Project’s Redistricting Commission

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, a Republican, has vetoed redistricting maps proposed by the General Assembly, particularly those drawn by the Democratic controlled state senate. McConnell said “I am concerned that the Senate plan is the kind of partisan gerrymandering that Virginians have asked that we leave in the past,” while praising the maps drawn by the Republican controlled state house of representatives. McConnell also cited population differences between state senate districts and a lack of compactness as reasons for vetoing the proposal. Daily Press: McDonnell vetoes redistricting maps

The House of Representatives passed a bill last week that would essentially ignore any Federal Communications Commission rulings on internet issues. A commentary in USA Today looks at the potential impacts this could have on the future of the internet, and on business conducted over the Web. USA Today: Net Neutrality: End of the Web as we know it?