VA Voter Rolls

Plus, a ball game to remember

The Flag

Good morning and Happy Friday! Here are the Flag’s Top Five stories that should be on your radar to start the day:

  • US: Judge declines to block Elon Musk $1 million voter giveaway as billionaire seeks to move case (Reuters)

  • World: About 8,000 North Korean troops now at Ukraine’s border are expected in combat soon, US says (AP)

  • Business: Starbucks’ plan to return to its roots involves 200,000 Sharpies (CNBC)

  • Technology: OpenAI launches ChatGPT search, competing with Google and Microsoft (CNBC)

  • Sports: Aaron Judge's World Series error, Yankees defeat 'will stay with me until I die' (USA Today)

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POWERED BY MONEY

Following a bold 50 basis point rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, spot gold reached a peak of 2,687 per troy ounce. Experts predict that this bullish trend for the precious yellow metal may continue, so it may be smart to get in now before prices keep climbing.

The information provided in this email is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice

Left: The Real Scandal in New York City, D.D. Guttenplan, The Nation

Left: In Philadelphia, It's Harris vs. the Couch, Gabrielle Gurley, American Prospect

Right: Trump and his lawyers take on the Syndicate, Roger Kimball, The Spectator

Right: Democrats Have Touched the Third Rail, Rebecca Weber, AMAC

2024

VA Voter Rolls

Today’s Top Story: On Wednesday, The Supreme Court allowed Republican officials in Virginia to revive a plan aimed at removing noncitizen voters from the rolls ahead of next week’s election.

Reporting from the Left: Supreme Court allows Virginia to purge voter rolls ahead of the election (NBC News)

Reporting from the Right: Supreme Court temporarily halts lower court ruling ordering 1,600 voters back on Virginia voter rolls (Fox News)

LEFT-LEANING SENTIMENT

Voter Suppression

The Top Argument From The Left: Supreme Court Hands Republicans a Massive Win on Voter Purge Program, Malcolm Fergusson, The New Republic: “Suppressing votes just got a lot easier for a key Trump ally in Virginia. … The state of Virginia argued that the 1,600 people removed from the state’s voter rolls didn’t provide adequate proof of citizenship when registering to vote at the Department of Motor Vehicles. But voting rights advocates argued Youngkin’s program violates the National Voter Registration Act’s ban on clearing voter rolls too close to Election Day. In the end, the conservatives on the court decided to help out Republicans in the state. And while this decision is troubling, it is perhaps unsurprising for a majority that includes Judges Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, and Samuel Alito, each of whom have been chipping away at voting rights for some time now. This is a notable win for Republicans in an important state. It also shows that the highest court in the land will continue to reinforce Trump’s fear mongering about noncitizen voting. And if 1,600 voters sounds marginal, Virginia’s state legislature was decided by just one vote in 2017. It’s again clear that Republicans will go to absurd lengths to help Trump—and the rest of their party—win.”

RIGHT-LEANING SENTIMENT

Election Integrity

The Top Argument From The Right: Supreme Court Allows Virginia to Remove Noncitizens from Voter Rolls before Election, David Zimmermann, National Review: “The [National Voter Registration Act] includes a so-called “quiet period” provision that prevents states from removing voters less than 90 days before an election. Youngkin issued the order exactly 90 days before Election Day. The provision is meant to prevent last-minute mistakes. … The Republican Party has made election integrity a priority this election cycle after former president Donald Trump has raised concerns of voter fraud and illegal immigrants voting. The GOP nominee revived the “Stop the Steal” slogan earlier this year. In 2020, Trump claimed Democrats stole that year’s presidential election from him. The Republican National Committee and the Republican Party of Virginia filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, supporting the commonwealth’s efforts to combat election interference. The legal filing notes Virginia permits same-day voter registration, meaning any resident who was accidentally removed from the voter rolls can register at a poll site on Election Day and cast a provisional ballot. If that person’s citizenship is verified, then the ballot would be counted. The Virginia GOP ensured no legal voters will be disenfranchised as a result of its voter-purge program.”

Honorable Mention #1: Supreme Court Blocks Democrats’ Bid To Keep Noncitizens On Virginia’s Voter Rolls, Shawn Fleetwood, The Federalist.

FLAG THIS

Ease and Access to Voting

In the U.S., early voting is supported by 76% of adults, reflecting a broad preference for accessible voting options. Even higher support is found for policies requiring photo identification (84%) and proof of citizenship for first-time voter registration (83%).

Additionally, 60% of Americans support automatic voter registration and sending absentee ballot applications to all eligible voters. However, most Americans oppose removing people from voter lists if they haven't voted in five years (64%) and limiting absentee ballot drop boxes (58%), highlighting concerns over voting access restrictions (Gallup).

Should voting and voter registration be made easier and more accessible for American citizens?

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WATERCOOLER

Sistine Chapel, Zombie Insects, Stingy Jack

On This Day in 1512, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, one of Italian artist Michelangelo’s finest works, is exhibited to the public for the first time.

Knowable Magazine: Night of the Zombie Insects

POWERED BY MONEY

Following a bold 50 basis point rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, spot gold reached a peak of 2,687 per troy ounce. Experts predict that this bullish trend for the precious yellow metal may continue, so it may be smart to get in now before prices keep climbing.

The information provided in this email is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice

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