AGP Executive Report

Election Integrity & Access: U.S. senators Padilla and Schiff urged California’s secretary of state to closely oversee Shasta County’s hiring of convicted election conspiracy figure Tina Peters, warning she could get access to sensitive materials. Redistricting Court Fight: A Missouri judge let Trump-backed congressional districts be used in November after rejecting a push for a statewide referendum, setting up likely appeals. Voter Roll Disputes: India’s Congress MP Kumari Selja alleged “massive malpractice” in Uttarakhand’s voter rolls, claiming eligible voters are being wrongly removed. Campaign Finance/Rules Violations: Lithuania’s election watchdog found Nemunas Dawn grossly violated election law by routing campaign money through third parties and intermediaries. Democracy Under Pressure: UN warned South Sudan’s December elections could reignite conflict and atrocities without safeguards. Local Voting & Ballot Questions: Florida’s turnout fell in Martin but rose in St. Lucie; Oklahoma voters face August runoff questions on voter ID and local taxes. Global Politics: Bangladesh began counting for its first contested presidential vote in 35 years, with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir declared president. Political Violence Watch: Katsina police warned sponsors of election violence will be identified and arrested ahead of 2027.

Election Security & Fraud: A Chinese national in Massachusetts was charged after prosecutors say he impersonated another man to register and vote in the 2024 presidential election, then reported the “victim” to immigration authorities. Local Election Administration: Shasta County’s elections staffing fight escalated as the registrar said he wants to replace an assistant registrar on leave, while the assistant’s attorney disputes the claim and points to a hostile work environment. Court Battles Over Voting Data & Maps: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit trying to limit DOJ use of seized Fulton County voter records, and a Missouri judge blocked voters from using a referendum to challenge a GOP congressional map. Close Races & Recounts: Tallahassee’s City Commission Seat 3 race heads to a machine recount after a 24-vote separation. Voter Access Tools: Champaign County launched a poll tracker app with results, polling locations, and wait-time estimates. International Election Pressure: The OAS urged Haiti to speed up voter registration ahead of elections, citing massive displacement and low registration numbers.

Election Security & Access: Ukraine’s sacked defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov is calling for a “legal, safe, and realistic” path to elections during wartime, arguing democracy can’t be held hostage by Russia, as Zelenskyy faces fresh political turmoil and anti-corruption probes. U.S. Midterms & Messaging: Google is letting verified political committees use Gmail’s Verified Sender Program starting Sept. 8, which can bypass much spam filtering—raising fresh questions about how political fundraising reaches voters. Democracy Under Strain: A new report warns low turnout can weaken accountability, while a separate U.S. court fight continues over Michigan voter data, with the DOJ denied a rehearing. State Ballot Battles: California’s billionaire tax Proposition 40 is in a tight race, and Green Bay officials are responding to duplicate ballot printing errors that triggered a state investigation. Local Taxes & Turnout: Great Bend, Kansas voters will decide a 3/4-cent sales tax for infrastructure and property tax relief. Global Election Watch: Palestinian factions are exploring a broad coalition for November legislative elections, and Türkiye’s Bahçeli calls for changes to party and election systems. Nigeria 2027 Politics: Nigeria’s National Peace Committee says it facilitated 30 peace accords, while candidates and security agencies are urging neutrality and peaceful, credible voting.

Florida GOP primary: Rep. Byron Donalds won the Republican nomination for governor, setting up a general-election matchup with former Rep. David Jolly after a crowded GOP field. Local elections: Sarasota County’s GOP commissioner Joe Neunder lost his re-election bid to Jim DeNiro, while Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County school board races head to Nov. runoffs after primary results fell short of 50%. Voter access & rules: Alaska Native groups warned rural voters face problems from election-worker shortages and late/failed openings, and Wyoming voters reported smooth primary voting with turnout boosted by early/absentee voting. Public safety funding: Holley-Navarre Fire District approved its first fee increase since 2016, raising annual costs for many homes to fund staffing and services. Election integrity & security: Nigeria’s National Peace Committee says it will monitor violence and intimidation ahead of 2027, while INEC flagged security risks, vote-buying, hate speech, and disinformation as threats to credibility. Big-money influence: A California special election is becoming a battleground over AIPAC’s spending, with pro-Israel groups targeting a progressive Democrat. Election denial claims: Trump renewed allegations about noncitizen voting based on Census Bureau analysis of 2020 records, as officials push for transparency.

Florida Primary: Nearly 2 million Floridians already voted ahead of today’s GOP primaries, including the governor race to succeed Ron DeSantis, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and vote-by-mail due by 7 p.m. Election Administration: South Carolina AG Alan Wilson urged the state election commission to give clear, timely notice of polling-place changes ahead of a Senate runoff. Voter Data Fight: A federal appeals court rejected DOJ efforts to get Michigan’s unredacted voter database, backing limits on federal demands for sensitive voter information. Voting Rules Clash: Trump voted by mail in Florida while pushing the SAVE America Act, and Congress mocked his praise of India’s voter ID system after he cited India’s photo-ID approach. Election Security: Nigeria’s defense minister warned against last-minute deployments, saying election security needs months of planning and coordination. Local Power & Representation: Andhra Pradesh approved 34% Backward Classes reservation in local body polls, while South Africa’s SACP in the Western Cape is rolling out candidates and a manifesto for municipal elections. Global Watch: France opened an investigation into alleged Russian interference ahead of the 2027 election, as Russia denies meddling.

Voter ID Push: Trump renewed the SAVE America Act pitch by pointing to India’s photo-ID rules and low mail voting, arguing the U.S. needs stricter ID and citizenship verification. Primary Day Logistics: Florida’s closed primary leaves many unaffiliated voters shut out of party races, while Wyoming voters head to polls Tuesday with ID requirements and set hours. Close Races & Recounts: Washington’s 42nd District Senate primary is separated by just four votes, triggering a hand recount. Election Security Fight: A federal judge rejected DOJ demands for Minnesota’s unredacted voter rolls, and separate Minnesota reporting highlights legal risk after activists allegedly impersonated voters under the state’s “vouching” system. California Special Election: Voters in CA’s 14th District will pick a replacement for Eric Swalwell in a Tuesday special election between Aisha Wahab and Melissa Hernandez. Local Governance: Vancouver is moving two public-safety plebiscite questions to its Oct. 17 ballot, and Henry County, Georgia tabled a tied commission-seat decision while approving an ambulance grant. Global Watch: Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema won re-election amid fraud allegations and unrest.

BARMM Security: MILF urged calm after an ambush on interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, calling for an immediate, impartial investigation and warning that violence or intimidation in Bangsamoro is unacceptable. Nigeria Election Integrity & Misinformation: A viral Osun election video claiming gunshots was flagged as misleading after investigators traced it to old footage from Ondo State in 2024, showing how recycled clips can inflame tensions. Osun Aftermath Politics: Davido said he won’t join Nigerian politics, calling it “evil,” while Osun’s political debate continues over Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu and calls for accountability over election violence. Zambia Vote Count Clash: Zambia’s presidential race showed Hichilema widening his lead in partial results, even as opposition figures and Tonse Alliance leaders accused the tally process of discrepancies and demanded reconciliation. US Voting Reform Push: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear backed abolishing the Electoral College in favor of direct presidential elections, arguing it would force candidates to campaign nationwide. US Election Security: Georgia election officials said they’re strengthening cybersecurity ahead of November midterms amid concerns about threats from Iran and Russia. State Election Law Changes: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is expected to veto House Bill 958, which would tighten voting rules and ballot challenges, arguing it invites chaos and makes voting harder.

Osun Election Aftermath (Nigeria): INEC declared Ademola Adeleke (Accord) winner of Nigeria’s Aug. 15 governorship vote, with 511,067 votes to Bola Oyebamiji’s 444,815, and leaders including Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso and governors congratulated Adeleke while urging respect for the mandate. Election Integrity Push: Yiaga Africa says the result matches its statistical estimates but flags concerns about vote buying, inducement and tech gaps; SERAP is demanding joint INEC/EFCC/ICPC action over alleged vote buying and violence. Security & Process Warnings: Police warned supporters against violence and reckless celebrations as observers reported intimidation and BVAS-related challenges. U.S. Election Rules Debate: Minnesota officials are reviewing a conservative influencer’s “vouching” stunt that impersonated other voters at polling sites, raising fresh questions about how states secure voter rolls. Australia Labor/Teachers: Victorian teachers voted to accept a revised pay deal, ending a months-long dispute and calling off a third strike. Energy Program Funding (NZ): IAONZ is urging pre-election certainty for Warmer Kiwi Homes, warning a funding gap after June 2027 could disrupt the delivery network. Statehouse Election Law (Nebraska): Nebraska lawmakers advanced multiple election- and housing-related bills, including changes to penalties for housing standards violations and reporting rules tied to foreign adversarial funding.

Osun Election Aftermath (Nigeria): INEC has declared Ademola Adeleke re-elected governor, beating APC’s Bola Oyebamiji by 66,252 votes (511,067 to 444,815), with Tinubu calling to congratulate him and urging unity and development. Election Integrity Push: SERAP is urging INEC, EFCC and ICPC to jointly investigate Osun vote-buying, intimidation, violence and illegal financing, while Yiaga Africa calls for a BVAS audit and clearer accreditation rules ahead of 2027. Security & Legal Pressure: Police urged lawful celebrations, while APC said it’s studying results and will pursue constitutional legal routes. Rights & Access Concerns: MURIC alleges thousands of hijab-wearing Muslim women were barred from voting, demanding accountability. Political Fallout: Osun leaders and rivals traded reactions, including claims of BVAS failures and disputes over alleged pressure on INEC. Elsewhere in Politics: Malaysia’s PKR congress leadership reshuffled roles, and Zambia’s vote drew observer complaints of intimidation and a counting pause.

Osun Election Watch: Nigeria’s INEC is still uploading and collating Osun governorship results, with Accord’s Ademola Adeleke holding a lead of more than 66,000 votes over APC’s Bola Oyebamiji as polling-unit figures pour into IReV; but the process has been marred by Violence & Disruption: gunshots at an Osogbo collation centre, arrests of alleged “mercenaries,” and reports of attempts to hijack collation; Integrity Concerns: EU observers and local groups cite BVAS delays, irregularities, vote trading, and intimidation, while Adeleke and supporters urge Tinubu and security chiefs to stay neutral; Party Politics: Ghana’s NPP regional executive races continue, with Abronye retaining Bono chairmanship and Iddrisu Sulemana winning Savannah by 4 votes, alongside Greater Accra leadership changes; Campaign Strategy (US): Democrats approved a 2028 presidential primary calendar that moves South Carolina to the front to better reach Black, Latino, and union voters; Immigration Fight: the DNC backed resolutions pushing to abolish ICE and reform enforcement as Trump expands deportations; Global Politics: Brazil’s Lula and Bolsonaro kick off campaigns amid voter fatigue and polarization, with Trump’s backing of conservatives hanging over the race.

Osun Governorship Election: Gov. Ademola Adeleke says BVAS/BIVAS accreditation is malfunctioning and alleges voter intimidation, including claims police are siding with the APC; voters in Osogbo report names missing from the register, while other polling units see long delays and accreditation failures that risk disenfranchisement. Polling-Unit Violence: ADC candidate Najeem Salaam’s Ejigbo unit saw violence that sent INEC staff, observers, journalists and voters fleeing; Salaam also alleges “widespread manipulation,” while domestic observers in Ede praise peaceful conduct and turnout. Security & Vote Integrity: Tinubu urges credible, transparent voting; INEC and security agencies are under pressure as allegations include ballot material seizures, “imported” voters with new PVCs, and agents protesting ballot paper shortages. International Politics: A Brazil poll shows Lula narrowly leading Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of October’s presidential race. Party Politics: Malaysia’s PKR congress debate includes calls to use the party’s own logo again in upcoming elections.

Election Integrity (US): St. Louis County, Minnesota, certified Northland primary results in a public canvassing meeting, with officials stressing transparency before sending totals to the state. Election Integrity (US): In Wilson County, Tennessee, election results were certified after a hand-count audit matched unofficial tabulator results. Voter Fraud Case (US): A Pennsylvania man in Apollo was indicted for allegedly voting twice in the 2024 presidential election using mail ballots in Alaska and Pennsylvania. Voter Registration Security (Canada): Elections Alberta warned of misinformation about its Voterlink registration tool, saying no registrations were removed without consent. Campaign Rules (US): Florida’s sign dispute in Escambia County is being reviewed under state law on political signs, after allegations of blocking/tampering near a library. Election Security & Violence (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Osun election watchdog group CISLAC warned of intimidation, vote-buying, and violence ahead of the governorship vote, urging peace. International Poll Watch (Brazil): A new Brazil poll shows Lula leading Flavio Bolsonaro, but the gap has narrowed to a near tie ahead of October’s election. UK Ethics & Politics: Britain reopened an ethics probe into Nigel Farage’s reported £5m gift after his Clacton by-election win.

UK By-Election Drama: Nigel Farage won the Clacton seat with 63.3% (22,239 votes) against “Count Binface,” but skipped the official result declaration, citing an alleged police “credible threat” to disrupt the outcome—while Essex Police reportedly disputes that any such advice was given. Election Integrity Under Fire: Zambia’s Electoral Commission suspended vote counting nationwide after violence targeted polling staff and marked ballots were stolen; officials say they’ll review the suspension within 24 hours as opposition candidate Brian Mundubile claims victory. Nigeria Governorship Watch: President Tinubu urged INEC and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent Osun election on Aug. 15, with EU observers pressing for timely result transmission and backups. US Voting Rights: U.S. senators urged CMS to repeal new nursing-home voting guidance, warning it could chill staff help for residents’ right to vote. Michigan Noncitizen Voting Case: Michigan AG charged five noncitizens over alleged voting in 2024, continuing a broader crackdown. Election Law Changes: Nebraska advanced LB1075, revising election procedures and village governance, including a county/municipal finance database. Voter Access: Illinois is encouraging eligible high school students to serve as election judges.

Osun Election: Nigeria’s INEC says 1.91m PVCs have been collected for Saturday’s Osun governorship vote, with Adeleke declaring Friday work-free so civil servants can travel to vote. Voter Safety: A viral video in Osun has raised fresh fears of intimidation ahead of polling day, as parties step up final mobilization. Election Integrity (India): India’s ECI rejected Telangana’s new Family Register Certificate as a valid document for voter-roll verification in the ongoing SIR process, calling out claims that it was acceptable. UK By-Election: Counting continues in Clacton after Nigel Farage triggered the contest; mainstream parties boycotted it, leaving Farage to face “Count Binface,” with the by-election expected to cost over £250,000. US Voting Rules: A federal appeals court restored key parts of Texas mail-ballot rules, while Georgia’s Raffensperger announced a bipartisan election integrity task force. Noncitizen Voting (Michigan): Michigan AG Dana Nessel charged five noncitizens over alleged 2024 voting, plus a US citizen accused of registering a noncitizen spouse. Sports Betting & Politics: A Washington judge ordered Kalshi to block sports and politics wagers, after the state AG argued the firm violated gambling and consumer protection laws.

Election Integrity & Voting Access (Zambia): Polls opened in Zambia’s presidential and parliamentary elections as Hakainde Hichilema seeks a second term; about 8.7 million voters are registered, while monitors report intimidation concerns and polling-day problems including armed police presence, voter register mismatches, and incorrect ballot papers. Election Integrity & Voting Access (US): The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to lift blocks on a mail-voting order ahead of the November midterms, arguing federal rules should be allowed to proceed. High-Stakes State Politics (Nigeria/Osun): Ahead of Osun’s Aug. 15 governorship election, Peter Obi urged a peaceful, credible vote with INEC and security agencies staying neutral; civic groups warn of violence and BVAS glitches, and Amnesty International predicts voter apathy tied to threats and inflammatory rhetoric. Local Elections (Dominica): Dominica’s finance minister urged Roseau North voters to back Ashma McDougall in a Sept. 7 by-election, framing it as a choice amid rising costs. Turnout Warning (Alabama): Alabama’s special primary saw decade-low turnout—about 5.24%—as GOP leaders’ push for participation failed to move voters. Political Accountability (UK Football/FIFA): CAF chief Patrice Motsepe said Infantino’s FIFA future should be decided by elections, not pressure or resignations.

Election Integrity & Courts: A Nebraska court tossed an RNC lawsuit aimed at blocking some overseas voters, saying the party failed to prove the law is unconstitutional in all cases. Voting Access & Disability Rights: A federal appeals court revived key parts of Texas’ SB 1 after a lower court had blocked provisions that restricted mail voting and voter assistance for people with disabilities. State Election Rules: Nebraska lawmakers advanced major election-law changes in LB1075, including updates to election procedures and village governance, while other bills adjusted homestead exemption timing and expanded protections against financial exploitation of seniors. Campaigns & Turnout: Early voting runs through Saturday ahead of Tuesday primaries in multiple states, with reminders focused on ID rules and what to do if you lack acceptable photo ID. Democratic Direction: Across Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin primaries, voters showed a clear appetite for change—progressives won in marquee races even as ideology didn’t settle into one lane. Global Watch: Zambia’s opposition says the upcoming election won’t be free or fair, while U.S. senators urged peaceful, fair voting as the vote nears. Local Ballot Battles: Oakland County townships in Michigan are sending police and fire millage questions back to voters in November after last week’s rejections.