AGP Executive Report

Election Integrity & Administration: South Korea’s election commission cut the ballot-printing minimum from 60% to 50% via internal sign-off without a formal meeting or minutes, a change now tied to ballot shortages that disrupted voting. Legal Battles Over Voting Rules: New Hampshire’s citizenship affidavit option returns for voters after a federal judge struck down parts of a law that removed affidavits—now only citizenship can be proven that way at the polls. Campaigns Under Scrutiny: Fiji’s Electoral Commission is urged to review pre-election government spending that critics say could cross into vote-buying. Party Politics & Power Plays: In Malaysia, PAS ended cooperation with Bersatu but says ties remain; analysts warn the split could weaken the opposition in Johor and Negeri Sembilan. Contested Elections Abroad: Armenia’s opposition and international observers trade accusations over the fairness of the parliamentary vote as recounts and legal challenges continue. Voter Access & Logistics: New York election officials urge voters to mail ballots early after USPS postmark changes could affect when ballots are dated. Local Results: Minot, North Dakota voters kept Mayor Mark Jantzer and elected three new council members.

Election Integrity Clash (Georgia): The Justice Department argues Georgia can remove voters from the rolls during the 90-day “quiet period” for federal elections if the state acts on flagged, individual cases—setting up a direct fight over what protections mean in practice. Election Administration (Arizona): Maricopa County officials accuse recorder Justin Heap’s office of improperly seizing election equipment and documents while votes were being counted, raising chain-of-custody concerns. Primary Challenges (West Virginia): Del. Laura Kimble will formally challenge her GOP primary loss by six votes, alleging ballot counts don’t match registered Republican voters in a closed primary. Maine Senate Stakes: Maine voters head into a high-salience Senate primary where partisan loyalty is tested; a Reuters/Ipsos poll finds most voters won’t switch over candidate controversies. California Vote Counting Pressure: As California’s slow mail-ballot count continues, the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on late-arriving ballots could force changes before November. Local Voting Glitches: A Linn, Missouri mayoral race triggers a special election after some residents received the wrong ballot style in April. Immigration & Voting Policy (U.S.): DHS directs ICE to deport undocumented people who illegally vote, tying election fraud enforcement to citizenship verification.

Election Integrity & Voting Access: South Carolina’s primaries are in full swing with 319,000+ ballots already cast and polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; the state’s open primary means you can vote in either party’s primary but not both, which could shape who survives to runoffs. Campaign Money & Power: A Democratic group, American Bridge 21st Century, is launching a $50M ad push to flip House and Senate seats, aiming at GOP-held districts as Democrats try to close fundraising gaps. State Election Rules: Colorado clerks are starting to mail ballots for the June 30 primary, with deadlines and rules for unaffiliated voters. Legal Battles Over Ballots: Nigeria’s Labour Party is suing INEC over alleged exclusion from an Enugu North by-election after nomination portal problems. International Elections: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan claims victory in a vote seen as a test of Russia’s influence, while Peru’s runoff remains razor-thin with 94% counted. Local Governance: South Korea’s president called last week’s local election results a “warning” after a ballot shortage in Seoul.

Armenia Election Fallout: Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract won about 49.8% in Sunday’s parliamentary vote, securing a majority as turnout neared 59%, while the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc took about 23.3%; opposition leaders rejected the results and alleged irregularities amid reports of arrests and pressure. Election Integrity Fight in the U.S.: A top DOJ prosecutor raised fraud concerns about California’s vote-by-mail system, while Senate Democrats warned DOJ is quietly stepping back from election-protection work; meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump’s “rigged” rhetoric but admitted it’s “impossible to prove.” State Election Rules Watch: Wisconsin’s new elections chief says only pending court orders could change rules for upcoming elections, and Oklahoma rolled out new “I Voted” stickers for its June 16 primary. Local Voting Deadlines: South Carolina shattered early-voting records for its June 9 primaries; Louisiana reminded voters of June 23 absentee deadlines for the Aug. 6 election. Canada Referendum Prep: Alberta elections officials kicked off hiring for an Oct. 19 referendum on separation, needing tens of thousands of workers. Voter Access & IDs: Nagaland issued strict voter ID rules for June 16 town council bye-elections, limiting who can enter polling places.

Peru Presidential Runoff: Peru’s vote count is still too close to call as ONPE reports Fujimori leading with 84%+ counted, while Ipsos quick counts show a statistical tie (Sánchez 50.3% vs Fujimori 49.7%), with rural ballots still expected to narrow the gap amid reports of isolated irregularities in Lima. Armenia Election Overhaul: Armenia’s pro-West Civil Contract party is leading and says it will form government, with preliminary results putting it at about 49.8% and four political forces set to enter parliament; the vote is widely framed as a test of Pashinyan’s pivot away from Russia and a push for peace with Azerbaijan. Kosovo Coalition Crunch: Kosovo’s Vetëvendosje won the early election with about 43% but fell short of governing alone, leaving coalition talks after low turnout and a third election in 16 months. US Voting Integrity Fight: California’s slow vote counting and voter-roll audit disputes are fueling distrust, while Trump again walked out of an NBC interview after being pressed on “rigged election” claims. Election Rules Watch (Indiana): Indiana closed-primaries efforts are back in focus after a recount push over alleged crossover voting, reigniting debate over who gets to participate in primaries. Switzerland Population Cap: A “Swiss Brexit” referendum to cap the population at 10 million is set for 14 June, with business groups warning of economic harm if it passes. Local Governance & Crime: Ahead of DC’s primary, voters say crime and homelessness remain top concerns, with policing capacity and staffing shortages driving the debate.

Armenia Parliamentary Vote: Armenia’s Central Election Commission says polling closed normally and turnout hit 58.97% by 8:00 PM, with 1,476,597 ballots cast out of 2,503,976 registered voters; the CEC chair also says power outages and late voting after polling closed didn’t affect results, though turnout could shift slightly after final checks. Election Integrity Fight: Armenian authorities reported dozens of alleged violations and detentions, while opposition figures and outside observers described the vote as highly problematic; the CEC also reported electronic voting results and certified protocols. U.S. Election Rhetoric: President Trump walked out of NBC’s “Meet the Press” after being pressed on claims that California elections are “rigged,” escalating a broader dispute over election fraud allegations and vote counting. Kosovo Snap Polls: Early results from Kosovo’s third election in 18 months show Kurti’s Vetëvendosje leading with lower turnout than last December, keeping coalition questions in play. Malaysia Politics: Barisan Nasional leaders framed Johor’s state election as a national “blue wave” test, while Sabah Pakatan Harapan announced leadership restructuring ahead of the next general election. UK Labor Party Tensions: The GMB union voted against consulting members on disaffiliating from Labour, amid fears it could boost Reform UK.

Armenia Parliamentary Vote: Armenians are voting in a high-stakes election that could shape the country’s Westward tilt versus continued ties with Russia, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan casting his ballot and church leaders urging voters to back Armenia’s future; turnout was reported at about 14.5% by late morning, while election officials said two commission leaders and a secretary were detained overnight and a suspect was arrested for alleged election-rights obstruction. Allegations of Vote-Buying: Armenia’s anti-corruption authorities say a candidate linked to the “Strong Armenia” bloc allegedly offered bribes in Lori Province, leading to detentions. Kosovo Snap Election: Kosovo is holding its third election in 16 months after parliament failed to elect a president, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetevendosje seen as the favorite but needing opposition support to break the quorum deadlock. Peru Runoff: Peru votes for a new president again—its ninth in 10 years—after a first-round race between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez, with crime and instability driving a tight, potentially slow-to-resolve result. U.S. Election Integrity Fight: A new report highlights Republican candidates for governor who rejected the 2020 election results, raising concerns about how they could influence state election administration. South Korea Ballot Shortage Protests: Thousands in Seoul keep demanding a rerun of local elections after ballot shortages, with election officials resigning amid the fallout.

California Elections Under Scrutiny: U.S. prosecutors and the DOJ are probing possible election fraud as California’s vote count drags on, while Trump and allies keep pushing “cheating” claims. South Korea Local Vote Crisis: Thousands protested ballot shortages after the election commission said papers ran out at dozens of polling stations; the election chief resigned and protesters demand a rerun. California Governor Race: Democrat Xavier Becerra won his way to the November general election, setting up a matchup likely against Steve Hilton or Tom Steyer. Armenia Parliamentary Vote: Authorities arrested six opposition candidates ahead of Sunday’s election, with the race framed as a choice between closer ties to the West or Russia. Peru Runoff Sunday: Peruvians vote for president in a second-round showdown between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez amid security fears and prior irregularity allegations. Pakistan Gilgit-Baltistan Voting: Polls open Sunday across 24 constituencies with heavy security, as parties and independents battle for seats. Malaysia Johor Election Setup: Malaysia’s police and election machinery are ramping up for Johor’s state election after the assembly was dissolved. India Rajya Sabha Nominations: Parties filed candidates for biennial Rajya Sabha seats, with the June 18 vote looming.

California Election Integrity: U.S. prosecutors opened multiple federal election fraud investigations in California as ballot counting dragged on after Trump alleged Democrats were “cheating,” while Xavier Becerra advanced to the November governor general election. Local Governance & Public Safety: St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana will ask voters in December to approve a quarter-cent sales tax to prevent cuts to the criminal justice system. Armenia Parliamentary Vote: Armenia’s June 7 election ramps up with a “Day of Silence,” 24/7 election hotlines, and a Republic Party bid to annul registration of the “Strong Armenia” bloc. International Tensions Over Voting: India protested Pakistan’s planned Gilgit-Baltistan elections; Pakistan rejected India’s criticism. Peru Runoff: Peru heads to a Sunday runoff between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez amid criminal charges and deep voter fatigue. Higher Turnout Efforts: South Africa’s IEC is using a music-and-pop-culture TV series to boost young voter participation ahead of local elections. U.S. Senate Voting Rights Fight: Sen. Josh Hawley blasted Republicans who joined Democrats to block adding the SAVE Act to a reconciliation package.

California Election Fallout: Federal prosecutors say they’re launching multiple election fraud investigations in Los Angeles and auditing voter rolls as ballot counting drags on after the June 2 primary, while Trump and allies keep alleging “cheating” despite officials saying the slow pace is built into vote-by-mail rules. Vote Counting Watch: In Los Angeles, at least 65% of ballots were counted as of Friday, with hundreds of thousands still unprocessed, and the state has until July 10 to verify results. South Korea Crisis: The head of South Korea’s election commission resigned after ballot shortages sparked protests and a near two-day blockade during local elections, with police clearing the scene. Local Voting Logistics: Vancouver’s Oct. 17 municipal election is projected to cost $9.4 million, driven by expanded early voting and more staffing. Campaigns & Integrity: A Utah clerk candidate, Malena Stevens, is pitching secure, transparent elections and public access as core priorities. Bihar MLC Race: BJP named Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh among four candidates for Bihar’s Legislative Council elections. Runoff Reminder: Early voting starts soon for a June 16 general primary runoff in Jackson County.

U.S. Voting Rights Fight: The Senate rejected Trump’s SAVE America Act, which would have required proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, dealing another blow to the GOP election overhaul push. Georgia Runoff: Republican Rick Jackson campaigned in Thunderbolt ahead of the June 16 runoff for the chance to face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November. South Korea Ballot Crisis: The election watchdog chair resigned after ballot shortages delayed results in Seoul local races, where the PPP and DP finished nearly tied. Malaysia Snap Polls: Negeri Sembilan dissolved its assembly and will hold elections within 60 days, joining Johor’s earlier move and testing support for Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition. India Party Shake-Up: Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai quit the party and launched a new movement, signaling a bid for the next state assembly elections. AJK Election Schedule: Azad Jammu and Kashmir set July 27 for legislative assembly voting, with nominations due June 9–19 and final candidate lists published in early July. Peru Runoff: Peruvians head to a June 7 runoff over crime fears, with social groups urging voters not to back blank or spoiled ballots.

Voting Rights at Risk: The U.S. Supreme Court greenlit Alabama’s congressional map despite findings of unconstitutional racial gerrymandering, effectively handing states a blueprint to weaken Black voting power. California Election Integrity Fight: President Trump escalated claims of “cheating” and “stealing” as California’s mail-ballot counts drag on; officials say delays come largely from signature verification, not rigging. Local Ballot Access & Turnout: Amador County reported the state’s highest Election Day turnout so far (50.78%), while Louisiana’s voter registration deadline for its June 27 primary is Saturday, June 6. Tech & Land-Use Politics: Frederick County planners voted 10-0 to recommend denying a 220-acre data center campus in Clear Brook, sending the decision to the Board of Supervisors. Global Election Watch: Romania named a technocratic prime minister to stabilize politics; Moldova’s parliament speaker accused Russia of election-linked provocation around a Russian culture center move. U.S. Senate Power Struggle: Republicans and Democrats sparred over Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund as an immigration funding vote nears.

Election Integrity & Access: South Korea’s local elections erupted after ballot shortages at multiple Seoul polling sites left voters waiting for hours or unable to vote, prompting an NEC investigation and President Lee Jae Myung’s “deep regret.” U.S. Voting Rules: A federal judge heard arguments on whether to pause Trump’s order to build a national voter ID list, with concerns raised about name changes and voters being wrongly excluded. War Powers & Voters: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan resolution to limit Trump’s Iran war powers, 215-208, as Congress pushes back on the administration’s authority. Campaigns & Accountability: In Wyoming, a Cheyenne attorney filed to force the state AG’s office to recuse itself from investigating alleged election-code violations tied to sharing voter data with the DOJ. Local Power Tests: South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party won most local races but lost Seoul’s mayoralty, a symbolic check on President Lee’s first year. Global Politics: Kyrgyzstan won a UN Security Council seat for 2027-2028 after multiple rounds, while Germany blamed Russia for its own UN election loss.

U.S. Primaries Watch: Montana’s GOP western House primary was called for Trump-backed Aaron Flint, while Democrats chose Sam Forstag after a tight count. California Vote Counting: California’s jungle primary vote totals keep trickling in, with the governor’s race and LA mayoral race still too close as officials work through outstanding ballots. Local Election Rules: Apex, North Carolina is considering switching town elections to even years to cut costs and boost turnout, while Reno extended a data-center moratorium amid accusations of political timing. Election Integrity & Courts: A judge ordered a new Hinds County, Mississippi supervisor election after flaws in the 2023 certification. Voting Access: Miami-Dade released early voting dates for its upcoming primary, emphasizing planning in a closed primary system. International Elections: Colombia’s top courts backed election scrutiny work as President Petro continues to dispute results; Ethiopia’s election drew EU and partner praise for inclusive voting. War Powers: The House is set to vote on ending U.S. military action against Iran, a test of bipartisan resistance to the president.

California Elections: Votes were still being counted in the state’s high-stakes “jungle primary” for governor and Los Angeles mayor, with results likely to trickle in for days. Early numbers put Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton near the top in the governor race, while Karen Bass cleared the first hurdle and heads to a November runoff; her second-place challenger was Spencer Pratt. Orange County’s CA-40: Ken Calvert advanced with Young Kim holding second place, setting up a possible all-Republican general election if she holds. Local Governance: In San Francisco, Phil Kim won a school board race, while a separate report says progressives were broadly routed in the June primary, losing major ballot measures and candidates. Election Integrity & Voting Rights: A federal judge heard arguments over Trump’s voter-list executive order and limits on mail voting, with states warning of disruption. Turnout Watch: In San Francisco, turnout was reported as extremely low, while South Korea’s local elections showed higher participation. Political Integrity: New Zealand’s Transparency International called for stronger lobbying and political donation rules after reports of unrecorded talks between lobbyists and ministers.

Iowa Primary Voting: Iowa voters have until 8 p.m. to cast ballots in the 2026 primary. A valid photo ID is required, and you can register or change party registration at your polling place with proof of local residency (like a utility bill). If you have an absentee ballot you didn’t mail, you can surrender it for a regular ballot at your county auditor’s office by 8 p.m. or at your polling place. Los Angeles Mayoral Primary: LA voters are choosing between Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Nithya Raman, and reality TV outsider Spencer Pratt. Homelessness and housing costs are driving the debate, with Pratt’s “outsider” pitch splitting voters. Election Security & Access: Nigeria’s election commission says it’s investigating alleged unauthorized access to its voter registration database after a candidate’s registration details were leaked, stressing there was no external breach or hacking. Florida Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers passed a constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax exemptions (from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, and up to $250,000 in 2028), with voters deciding in November. EU Watch on Colombia: The EU election mission says Colombia’s first presidential round was transparent and pluralistic, despite fraud allegations from President Gustavo Petro.