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While national news media will be focusing on which party controls the House, the Senate, and the White House, let’s not forget the importance of our local elections – many of which are non-partisan. The local offices and referenda on the ballots throughout the country will have the most direct impact on the everyday lives of the American people. We are tracking referenda that could change the form of government in several local governments where ICMA has informed local communities about the benefits of council-manager governance and the role of city/county managers and administrators. Most notably, we are keeping an eye on – County of Los Angeles, City of Lawrence, KS, City of Mattoon, IL; City of Covington, Kentucky, and Village of Glencoe. What local issues are you tracking this election day?

While the race for the White House dominates headlines, the importance of other elections, such as those for judges, statehouses, and local officials, cannot be overstated. These positions have a profound impact on our daily lives, shaping policies on education, public safety, infrastructure, and more. Judges, for instance, make critical decisions that affect justice and fairness in our communities. State legislators craft laws that address local needs and concerns, often with more direct and immediate effects than federal legislation. By participating in these elections, we ensure that our voices are heard at every level of government, fostering a more inclusive and responsive democracy.

With the elections fast approaching how do you handle discussions about politics at work? Do you ignore it or prohibit it? Many companies do, but that's not necessarily the best way. The always insightful Morgan Williams and Tracie Sponenberg will be part of what Cassandra Rose, SPHR, SHRM-SCP rightly called a 'power panel' to discuss how to navigate this tricky topic and the changing landscape of DEI. Use the link in the comments to register.

It was an honor to moderate this panel to discuss federal and state issues as they pertain to #ruralflorida

‘This is what demagogues do’: Experts Warn of Civil War in America Ahead of Presidential Elections; "Bomb threats to schools in Ohio attended by immigrants, an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate, and an increase in threats to federal judges are just a few examples of the heightened level of political violence in the United States. Much has been written about Donald Trump’s hateful rhetoric and incendiary language but what will happen if he loses the election? A study last year showed that violence is gaining mainstream acceptance, with one-third of Republicans saying that violence may be the answer to saving the US. As the election approaches, can we totally discount the idea of a ‘civil war’ in the US? Some say that this has all been a long-time coming. Jack Goldstone, an expert on Civil Unrest, practically predicted January 6th, writing alongside Peter Turchin less than two months before the 2020 election: “Is the US likely headed for still greater protests and violence? In a word, yes.” In fact, Goldstone had already predicted over 25 years ago that in the 21st century, the US would elect a populist America-first leader who would inflict division and chaos onto the country. Jack Goldstone, Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University joins this episode of ‘Mehdi Unfiltered’ together with one of the top experts on fascism, New York University’s History Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, the author of ‘Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present.’"; Zeto, Sep 20, 2024: https://lnkd.in/e5swGZiT

According to a new State Affairs poll, #Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb remains popular within his party, with an overall approval rating of 69% among #Republicans and GOP-leaning independents — even as the candidates to take his place have kept their #political distance from him. The results found 23% strongly approving of Holcomb’s seven-plus years as governor, with 46% saying they somewhat approved. The poll found 15% somewhat disapproved and 7% disapproved of Holcomb, with 9% unsure. #politics #government #elections #electionyear #2024election

I joined @KAN REKA - КАН РЭКА to discuss US #ElectionDay2024 and its impacts on the future of the US #foreignpolicy. Some of the observations I made: * the observable political trends are both a backlash against #Democrats but also actively favor #Republicans. I mentioned the importance of the Republican takeover of the #SEnate and the role of the latter on the legislative end of #foreignpolicy. I also explained why the news stations were slow to project a presidential winner and why the count was taking so long. I also discussed the impact of the early voters and the difference between in-person voting, absentee ballots, and mail-in ballots. * I also noted Mark Robinson's disastrous loss in North Carolina and why the local voters opted to split their votes, rather than voting up and down the ballots. I underscored that state politics and national #Politics are quite distinct, and that it was an unforced error by the Republicans to keep his nomination after his scandalous past was fully uncovered. * I also discussed the potential for #DonaldTrump's first 100 days in office, which, in terms of foreign policy will most certainly include #Ukraine, #Gaza and #Lebanon, restoring the freedom of navigation in the #RedSea, #bordersecurity, and #Iran-related matters, and of course the imposition of #tariffs on #Imports from #China, as well as various #security matters related to the #PRC. I explained that if both houses of Congress go red, #Trump will have no real resistance in pushing through his agenda on most issues. * I mentioned the prospects for overturning #Obamacare and explained that is not likely to happen, first because it is clearly not one of #Trump's or #GOP priorities, based on the campaign rhetoric, and second, because as became clear from his own admission during the #KamalaHarris debate, he only has a concept of a plan, which could take a while to work out, especially among competing priorities. I added that during his first term, when #Obamacare was much more of a heated issue and #Trump had full control of Congress in the first two years, Republicans failed to come up with a worthy substitute. I do not foresee the second term going differently. If there are any changes, they will be revisions and that part of the agenda will not come into play until later on, after top priorities are met. * I added that while #foreignpolicy is not a top priority for US voters, there is a cross-section between foreign and domestic issues that is likely to come up early on, and likely will be handled quickly with a GOP-controlled Congress, and that is the issue of hostile foreign financing of US #education - both primary and college education, which has become a huge concern for Republicans but also for others, due to the sheer amount of money being poured and apparently linked to a hostile extremist and antisemitic atmosphere.

New York's Critical Role in Determining House Control 🗽🏛️ New York is proving to be a key battleground in shaping the future of the U.S. House of Representatives. With competitive districts and shifting political dynamics, the state plays a pivotal role in determining which party holds power. As voters head to the polls, the stakes are higher than ever, and NewYork'ss influence on national politics continues to grow. Ready to see democracy in action? The Empire State is at the centre of it all. #NewYorkPolitics #HouseControl #CriticalElections #BattlegroundState #DemocracyInAction #PoliticalPower 🗳️ https://lnkd.in/dfZXfYPp

🤔 Curious about what the election results mean for key sectors of our economy? 🌹 Want to know how the majority might change how Keir Starmer governs? 🫵🏻 Wondering how you and your business can inform the detail and delivery of key commitments? 💻 Join our webinar on Wednesday at 11am to hear from former Ministers and Labour experts. https://lnkd.in/gejTD73u

Trust in democracy is near an all-time low. However, an emerging network of pro-democracy activists argues that one way to save liberal democracy is to return to its roots: public participation in the democratic process. In our new monthly newsletter — in partnership with People Powered, and spearheaded by Lead Editor Pamela Bailey — we’ll write about participatory democracy from all angles; exploring models like participatory budgeting, citizens’ assemblies, and legislative theater that give everyday people a chance to decide the future of their communities. Read the newsletter here and be sure to sign up for future issues of Beyond Elections, plus our other ongoing newsletters: https://lnkd.in/gvwfyFes