May 11 Leg Act News

This week's newsletter provides an overview of recent developments in voting rights, gerrymandering, political polarization, and state budget issues, emphasizing threats to democracy and efforts to counteract them.

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Voting Rights and Gerrymandering

The Supreme Court's April 2026 decision limited the ability to challenge district maps based solely on racial composition, requiring proof of intentional discrimination, making it harder to combat gerrymandering. This ruling has led to GOP actions such as halting Louisiana’s congressional election, redrawing districts in Tennessee and Alabama, and nullifying Virginia’s recent election results. Unchecked gerrymandering could lead to a one-party system, risking corruption, economic decline, and demonization of minorities, similar to Hungary’s dictatorship.

Campaign and Political Action

• We need your support to flip the House in the upcoming elections and encourage participation in door-to-door canvassing and voter outreach for TCDC-endorsed candidate Aaron Gies.

• We encourage and support civic participation, including postcard campaigns, protests, and outreach to ensure voter turnout and influence policy decisions.

NYS Budget Highlights

The 2026 New York State budget faces debates over climate policy adjustments, auto insurance reforms, new taxes on second homes and high incomes, and immigration-police cooperation. Social programs like utility relief and child care funding remain priorities, with some funding levels maintained.

Action Items and Events

• If you usually vote by mail, make sure you know that you need to register for your ballot every election. Contact your county Board of Elections or go to this link: Request a Ballot - Early Mail or Absentee Ballot to have a ballot mailed to you. The last day to request a ballot online for the June 23 primary is June 14. If you are mailing your request, remember the post office has been slower with mail. Submit your request as soon as possible, and do not delay in mailing your ballot back.

• If you do not have transportation to the early voting site (Tioga County Board of Elections, 1062 State Route 38, Owego) for the primary (June 13-21), please email Tioganydems@gmail.com.

• Visit 866OURVOTE.org. Make a voting plan for both the primary (June 13-21) and the November election. Make sure you are registered. If you get to the polls and a problem is stopping you from voting, ask for a provisional ballot and follow up with the Board of Elections and 866OURVOTE.org.

• Talk to your family and friends about getting out to vote in the primary. Refer people to Aaron Gies’ web page, Aaronforny23.com. The Tioga County Democratic Committee has endorsed Aaron for Congress.

• Call 10 people you know to make sure they are voting in the primary. Offer people you know a ride to early voting at the Board of Elections or their polling place on election day.

• Call Governor Hochul and your state legislators about budget issues that concern you.

• If you are writing postcards for Get Out the Vote, remember the post-by date is May 22.

• MONDAYS AT THE COURTHOUSE. Every Monday from 4-5 pm, there is a dedicated effort to protest. Please join us for an hour. Bring a sign.