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Daily Brew: February 25, 2019

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February 25, 2019

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Today's Brew introduces a new way for you to learn about politics + highlights the voter registration deadlines for statewide elections happening in the first half of 2019  
The Daily Brew

Welcome to the Monday, February 25 Brew. Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day:

  1. Come join us on a Learning Journey!
  2. Here are voter registration deadlines for upcoming statewide elections
  3. New York City elects a public advocate tomorrow

Come join us on a Learning Journey!

Have you ever finished an edition of the Daily Brew and wanted to dive deeper into a policy area or branch of government? Context is central to our news coverage but I can't squeeze in every detail.

I am excited to announce a new project at Ballotpedia. To help our readers better understand their government, we are launching Learning Journeys.

Join us as we give you a short-run series of daily emails with information, examples, and exercises to help you broaden your understanding of U.S. government and politics. Our first journey on the nondelegation doctrine is five days long. We will send you an email each day with information, examples, and exercises to help you understand each aspect of this complex concept.

We think these bite-sized emails will allow you to digest the content at your pace, and on your schedule.

We will be launching additional Learning Journeys throughout the rest of the year. What would you like to see us cover? Reply to this email and let me know!

Here are voter registration deadlines for upcoming statewide elections

February is already drawing to a close and the election season, like the weather, is warming up in some places. Four states are holding statewide general or primary elections in the first half of 2019.

Here’s a list of the elections happening in each state along with the voter registration deadlines.

  • Kentucky is holding primaries for governor and five other statewide executive offices on May 21.
    • Voters must submit their registration application 28 days before the primary, which is April 23.
       
  • New Jersey will hold elections in 2019 for all 80 seats in the state’s general assembly - primary elections are on June 4.
    • The voter registration deadline is 21 days prior to the election, or May 14.
       
  • Virginia is holding elections this year for all seats in both houses of the state legislature - the primary takes place on June 11.
    • The deadline to register to vote is 22 days ahead of the election, or May 20.
       
  • Wisconsin will hold spring elections for one seat on the state supreme court, as well as certain appeals and circuit court judges, on April 2.
    • The deadline for registering online is March 13. Voter registration forms that are mailed must be postmarked by March 14. In-person registration must be completed by 5 p.m. on March 29. Voters can register on Election Day at their polling place.

More information about requirements for registering to vote in every state can be found by clicking the link below.


New York City elects a public advocate tomorrow

Chicago isn’t the only big city holding elections tomorrow. There’s also a special election in New York City for public advocate.

The office of public advocate was first established in 1994 and acts as a watchdog and ombudsman for the public. He or she may sit in meetings of the city council and introduce legislation but may not vote on any measure. What you may not know is that the public advocate is first in the mayoral line of succession in the city.

There have been four elected public advocates since the position was established and two have advanced to higher office following their tenure. Letitia James (D) was elected public advocate in 2013 and again in 2017. Last November, she won election statewide, to the office of state attorney general. And current New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) was public advocate for four years before being elected to the city’s top office in 2013.

Seventeen candidates are on the ballot tomorrow. The top vote-getter will win the special election outright, unlike regular citywide elections where a runoff is called if no candidate receives more than 40 percent of the vote.

Tuesday’s winner will only serve in the post for most of 2019. A second election will be held in September for the remainder of James’ four-year term that ends on December 31, 2021.


See also