Beyond the Network June 10

Missouri Supreme Court building (image via St. Louis Public Radio)

Here’s a look at some of the news and reports from outside of our issues and outside of the Midwest that have come across our wires this week…

Campaign for Stronger Democracy hosted a conference call this week, the first in their series of monthly Democracy Exchanges, where organizational and campaign leaders come to talk about the work that they are doing, and how it impacts the democracy community at large. This edition included representatives from Public Campaign and the Center for Media Justice discuss effective communication strategies to better connect with their constituents. Audio from the call can be streamed on the Campaign’s website.

Campaign for Stronger Democracy: Democracy Exchange June 7

Governing examines the different paths states take when one of their legislative chambers is tied. Some states alternate “majority” leaders by the day, week, or month; others call upon the state’s Lt. Governor to make votes; and some divide up the committee chairmanships. Currently, Alaska’s Senate has formed a coalition majority of 10 Democrats and 4 Republicans, while the Oregon House has co-Speakers.

Governing: How tied chambers affect states

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission has released the first draft of its state level and congressional district maps. Take a look at the Commission’s website. The commission is independent from the legislature and draws the maps for the state of California.

California Redistricting Maps (first draft)

Rock the Vote researched and graded each state’s voting laws and policies. In particular, Rock the Vote looked at voter registration, casting a ballot, and young voter preparation. The study found that voter registration practices are outdated, leaving many young people out of the democratic process. Additionally, many barriers are encountered when trying to cast ballots in many states. The highest ranking states are Washington, Iowa and Montana (with Washington DC up there as well), while the lowest ranking states are South Carolina, Virginia and Connecticut.

Rock the Vote: Voting System Scorecard

The Riverfront Times blog takes a look at diversity on the Missouri Supreme Court, noting that the state’s Appellate Judicial Commission is taking input from the public on qualified potential justices. In the history of the Missouri Supreme Court, only one person of color has served as a Justice, and the Commission is seeking to take diversity into account when making their recommendations to the governor.

Riverfront Times: Missouri Supreme Court: Help wanted

Talking Points Memo examines the conflict between the US Chamber of Commerce’s stance against President Obama’s executive order on government contractor transparency, and the efforts of some of the Chamber’s member groups to voluntarily adopt transparency provisions in their practices.

Talking Points Memo: Transparency efforts by corporations undermine chamber’s anti-disclosure stance

Stateline takes a look at nonprofit news outlets around the country, and the sometimes blurry lines that can develop between the outlets, the politicians and officeholders they cover, and the money the outlets must raise to keep operating.

Stateline: Can nonprofit news survive?