AGP Executive Report

Local Tax Vote: Collier County voters will decide in November whether to raise the tourist tax by one cent to finish the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, with the hike paid by short-term rental visitors. Election Administration: Kenya’s IEBC set Aug. 10, 2027 for the next general election and laid out key deadlines for resignations, party lists, and primaries—plus it’s pushing Parliament to set minimum education standards for candidates. Democracy Under Strain: A scholar warned that ballot shortages in South Korea’s June 3 local elections “wrecked confidence” and triggered a “crisis of democracy.” Political Violence: South Africa’s local election season is marred by killings of candidates, including BOSA ward candidate Leon Ngcikwe. AI Attack Ads: Australia’s NSW election faces backlash after an “AI slopaganda” image of a Labor MP went viral, raising fears of more AI-driven political ads. Trust in Counting: EU observers said Colombia’s runoff vote count had no irregularities, even as President Petro and allies challenge results. Party Power Plays: New York Democrats test Zohran Mamdani’s influence as his endorsed candidates win key primaries.

Election Day Coverage (US): Voters headed to polls in New York for key Democratic primaries, with tight House races and live turnout reports as polls closed at 9 p.m. Statewide Primaries (US): Maryland’s primary results rolled in, including the governor’s race where incumbent Wes Moore faced GOP challenger Eric Felber, plus competitive congressional and county executive contests. South Carolina Runoffs: South Carolina voters returned for primary runoffs, with results expected to come in after 7 p.m. Voter Access & Fraud Cases (US): A federal judge blocked a Trump-backed voter-screening database expansion, citing privacy and legal problems—while a Philadelphia woman pleaded guilty to voting twice in the 2024 presidential election. Election Integrity Politics (US): A Republican-led election integrity push is underway ahead of secretary of state races, aiming to counter liberal election-rule efforts. International Elections: Colombia’s election observers said no irregularities were found in the vote count as protests continue. UK Politics: Keir Starmer resigned after internal turmoil, setting up a leadership contest and renewed debate over Britain’s political stability.

U.S. Primaries Watch: New York’s Tuesday primaries are a stress test for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s influence, with Democrats weighing left-vs-centrist visions in key House races. Election Integrity: A federal judge blocked Trump’s plan to use an immigration database to check voter eligibility, arguing it could wrongly purge eligible voters. Voter Access Rules: Sri Lanka’s cabinet approved removing a second “appropriate mark” requirement, keeping indelible ink as the main safeguard. Ballot Security & Admin Glitches: Maryland reported far more mail-in ballot requests than in 2022, after a vendor error forced replacement ballots. Campaign Logistics: A Kansas candidate was left off the ballot after UPS delivery missed a hard filing deadline. Local Runoffs: Sioux Falls voters head to a mayoral runoff after no one won outright in the June 2 primary. Global Election Tensions: Georgia lawmakers delayed action on QR-code vote counting and hand-recount rules, extending uncertainty into future elections.

U.S. Election Integrity Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from using the revamped SAVE citizenship database to help states check voter rolls, saying it violates privacy protections and could wrongly purge eligible voters. Federal Funding Pressure: The administration is also threatening to withhold up to 20% of DHS grant money from states unless they adopt sweeping election changes, including hand-marked paper ballots and voter roll checks tied to federal databases. Maryland Voting Records: Another court ruling tossed the Justice Department’s bid to force Maryland to hand over massive voter registration records. Georgia Ballot Rules: Georgia lawmakers are clashing over a QR-code ballot law that now faces a fight over mandatory hand-counting in all 159 counties before certification. UK Leadership Shake-Up: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation, with Andy Burnham positioned to replace him and calls for a snap election growing. Colombia Runoff: Abelardo de la Espriella is poised to win Colombia’s presidency in a tight runoff, with preliminary counts showing a narrow lead. Voter Deadlines/Access: Colorado opened voter service and polling centers; Maryland’s primary is Tuesday with mail-ballot return deadlines.

UK Politics: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he will resign as Labour leader and PM less than two years after taking office, after mounting pressure from within his party; Labour now faces a leadership contest with Andy Burnham the frontrunner, and Reform’s Nigel Farage is demanding a snap general election. Voter Priorities: In Nevada’s purple battleground, affordable healthcare is emerging as a top issue as voters weigh Medicaid and eligibility changes that could affect coverage. Election Integrity & Violence: Nigeria’s Ekiti governorship race is still sparking backlash, with opposition candidates alleging vote-buying and irregularities even as INEC declared Biodun Oyebanji the winner; meanwhile South Africa’s voter registration weekend was marred by political killings, including the shooting of DA candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe. State-Level Power Shifts: Nigeria’s APC is celebrating major by-election wins tied to Ekiti’s momentum, while in India Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance swept the Legislative Council polls—except for a notable Nashik upset by a BJP rebel. Campaign Strategy: Wisconsin’s governor race could hinge on moderate voters and “pure” independents, who may be forced to choose between sharper ideological poles than in past elections.

UK Politics: Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Keir Starmer after Labour’s Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, with ministers saying Starmer is “reflecting on the political realities” and could set an exit timetable as soon as Monday. US & Local Elections: New Yorkers vote Tuesday, June 23 in Democratic primaries that could reshape Bronx and Brooklyn representation, with key races including Michael Blake vs. Ritchie Torres and Darializa Avila Chevalier vs. Adriano Espaillat. Colombia Runoff: Colombians head to a high-stakes presidential runoff Sunday, choosing between leftist Sen. Iván Cepeda and Trump-endorsed right-wing outsider Abelardo de la Espriella amid security fears and deep polarization. Nigeria By-elections: Nigeria’s APC swept multiple by-elections in Ondo, Nasarawa, Kano and Kebbi, while PDP retained the Rivers South-East senatorial seat. Ethiopia: Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party won about 90% of parliamentary seats, with turnout reported at 94% despite security disruptions. Election Integrity Watch: In Ekiti, Nigeria, Yiaga Africa says improvements in voting administration were offset by widespread vote-buying and results-management concerns.

Colombia Runoff: Colombians vote Sunday in a high-stakes presidential second round between leftist senator Iván Cepeda and Trump-backed hard-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, with security fears and violence shaping the campaign. Nigeria Elections Watch: INEC declared APC’s Biodun Oyebanji re-elected Ekiti governor with 319,224 votes, while Rivers South-East went to PDP’s Olaka Nwogu; multiple by-elections also reported winners across states. South Africa Local Politics: Voter registration weekend drew strong youth turnout in the Northern Cape, but it was marred by political killings, including DA candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe and ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve. UK Leadership Turmoil: Labour’s Andy Burnham by-election win has intensified pressure on PM Keir Starmer, with reports he may announce a resignation timetable soon. Germany Free Speech Debate: Germany is considering scrapping a law that criminalizes insulting politicians, after cases involving social media insults. Party Rules & Integrity: RSP published its leadership election schedule, while election observers in Ekiti flagged turnout concerns and vote-buying allegations. AI in Campaigns: Canada’s Conservative Party faced scrutiny for using AI-generated footage in an election ad.

Ekiti Election Watch: INEC says it has uploaded about 90% of Ekiti governorship results to IReV (2,208 of 2,445 polling units), as collation continues and Oyebanji’s camp reports wins in key polling units. Vote-Buying & BVAS Failures: Multiple monitors and civil society groups allege vote-buying tactics (including “merchandising” instead of cash), pre-thumbprinted ballots, BVAS glitches, and security gaps—while Yiaga Africa flags mismatches in election materials. Violence & Intimidation: Reports from Enugu North describe attacks on PDP agents and ballot-snatching claims; in Ekiti, videos show voters chasing EFCC operatives away from polling units. Georgia Voting Rules: Georgia senators voted to delay the QR-code ballot ban to 2028 and require hand recounts of top races, setting up a new fight over the state’s next voting system. Local Election Safety: In South Africa, DA ward candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe was shot dead during voter registration in Dunoon. Peru Runoff Protest: Roberto Sanchez leads a transparency protest and says he’ll seek annulment of overseas votes after the runoff tally remains tight. US Special Election: Dublin mayor Melissa Hernandez advances to face Sen. Aisha Wahab in California’s special election to replace Rep. Swalwell.

Voter Access Reform (US): Hawaii’s new law shifts voter registration from opt-in to opt-out by automatically registering people when they apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID, with an option to opt out. Election Integrity (Nigeria): Ahead of Ekiti’s governorship vote, CSOs warn of vote buying, intimidation, and misinformation, including claims of schemes to harvest PVC and NIN details; observers also flag BVAS delays and malfunction concerns. Election Day Crackdown (Nigeria): EFCC operatives reportedly stormed Governor Oyebanji’s polling unit amid vote-buying allegations, while police in Ondo imposed movement restrictions for a by-election. Youth Registration Drive (South Africa): The IEC opened 23,000+ registration stations for a weekend push, with officials warning youth registration remains low; Malema’s EFF backs a bill for automatic voter registration. UK Leadership Politics: Labour’s Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, intensifying pressure on PM Keir Starmer as a Labour leadership fight looms. Media & Disinformation (Malaysia/Taiwan): Malaysia’s media council is testing a rapid response system against fabricated election content, while a Taiwan expert warns of coordinated Facebook disinformation linked to foreign influence ahead of local elections.

Voter Access & ID: An Ohio letter argues a proposed Require Voter ID amendment is redundant because photo ID is already required and mail voting already uses ID or SSN digits. Courts & Voter Lists: Wisconsin says the federal government has no right to demand unredacted voter lists, pushing back in a 7th Circuit fight after a judge dismissed the Trump DOJ bid. Election Integrity Lawsuits: A Boston federal judge lets Democratic-led states and voting groups challenge Trump’s mail-in voting order ahead of November, while pausing parts affecting post-midterm elections. UK Leadership Politics: Andy Burnham’s Makerfield by-election win sets up a Labour leadership showdown with Keir Starmer, with Reform framing it as tactical voting to oust the PM. Local Voting Rules: Los Angeles City Council advances a Nov. 3 ballot measure to let noncitizens vote in local elections, drawing GOP backlash. International Election Disputes (Armenia): Multiple opposition blocs file petitions to annul Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary results, alleging vote-buying and administrative pressure, while Russia rejects the elections as not meeting fair conditions. Nigeria Poll Security: Police restrict movement ahead of Nigeria’s Ondo South by-election, aiming for a peaceful, credible vote.

UK Politics: Labour mayor Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, beating Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon by 24,927 votes (54.8% to 34.5%), clearing a path for a challenge to PM Keir Starmer’s leadership and triggering a new Greater Manchester mayor election. Labour Party Process: Harriet Harman says Labour MPs should choose between Starmer and challengers like Burnham and Wes Streeting, arguing the government needs majority support in Parliament. Scotland Elections: The Conservatives took Aberdeen South from the SNP in a first Westminster by-election win in Scotland since the 1960s, while SNP losses are tied to voter anger and internal turmoil. Election Integrity & Rules: South Korea’s president ordered an overhaul of the election management system after ballot-paper shortages marred the June 3 local vote. Democracy Under Pressure: Cambodia extended restrictions on prominent activist Rong Chhun, and Armenia’s Strong Armenia bloc candidate was held pre-trial over alleged vote-buying. Voter Access Debate (US): Ohio lawmakers marked Juneteenth while clashing over a voter photo ID constitutional amendment and the FBI search of a voting-rights group. Media Trust: A Reuters Institute report says Filipinos’ trust in news hit a record low, driven by attacks on media and social media influence operations.

U.S. Election Integrity: DHS ordered ICE to deport aliens who illegally vote, saying the law allows removal even without a criminal conviction. Congress & Voting Rules: Sen. Tammy Baldwin and colleagues introduced the Protect Our Polls Act to stop federal armed interference at polling places. Georgia Voting Tech: Lawmakers moved to keep Georgia’s QR-code vote-counting system for November after earlier plans to change it ran into delays and confusion fears. UK Leadership Stakes: Polls closed in the Makerfield by-election that could reshape Labour’s leadership fight, with Andy Burnham seeking a path back to Westminster. Scotland By-elections: Voting closed in Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry, with campaigns centered on oil-and-gas policy and cost of living. Statehouse Economics: Oklahoma voters rejected a minimum-wage ballot measure, while Georgia also advanced a bill to pause mandatory voting-machine changes. Local Ballot Measures: Madison voters will see combined school levies on the November ballot, and Seattle Art Museum workers voted to unionize.

UK Politics: Voters in Makerfield head to the polls in a by-election that could reshape Labour leadership dynamics, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham seeking to return to Westminster and face Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon; police say they will take no further action on a Reform claim Burnham breached COVID rules in 2021. Election Administration: South Korea’s parliament has launched a 45-day probe into ballot-paper shortages after June 3 local election disruptions, with lawmakers citing possible voter-rights infringements and NEC failures. Voter Access & Rules: Ohio lawmakers passed a bill requiring photo ID for mail-in voting starting in 2027, and an editorial urges Gov. Mike DeWine to veto it as an unnecessary barrier. Local Governance: Hebron residents approved the town budget on a third referendum vote, while Wakefield councillors cut a school uniform fund by £1.3m, shifting support toward families with greater need. Party Politics: In Nigeria’s Ekiti governorship race, opposition figures allege vote-buying and intimidation ahead of the June 20 election. Voter Registration: South Africa’s IEC is briefing media ahead of voter registration weekend (June 20-21) across thousands of stations.

DC Ranked-Choice Mayoral Primary: Janeese Lewis George leads the Democratic primary for Washington, D.C. mayor, with early counts showing Kenyan McDuffie trailing; the ranked-choice system means the final result could shift as tabs finish, while Jewish leaders criticize Lewis George’s Israel-related promises and Trump’s looming influence adds pressure to the race. California Special Election: Aisha Wahab advanced to the November general election to replace disgraced Rep. Eric Swalwell after Tuesday’s Democratic primary, setting up a crowded field’s next step as voters weigh scandal fallout. Voting Rights Fight in Congress: Republicans are split over how to move the SAVE America Act, with Sen. Mike Lee’s push for a floor takeover drawing pushback from within the party. Election Security Showdown: Trump moved to delay the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing for DNI nominee Jay Clayton, tying the timing to confirmation of a replacement and raising fresh concerns about politicizing election-related power. Brazil-US Tensions: Lula warned Trump not to meddle in Brazil’s October election after Trump criticized Brazil’s judicial actions against Lula rivals. State & Local Ballot Updates: Ekiti, Nigeria confirmed PVC collection ahead of its June 20 governorship vote; Georgia Republicans canceled a plan to redraw maps for 2028 amid litigation and backlash; and Missouri put multiple constitutional amendments on the August primary ballot.

Georgia runoffs: Voters in Georgia headed back to the polls Tuesday for key primary runoffs, including the GOP gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races, setting up November matchups. UK election rules debate: The UK’s proposed “Representation of the People” bill would lower the voting age to 16 and 17, sparking arguments over whether youth voting strengthens democracy or is a popularity play. Armenia election fallout: Armenia’s pro-European election win for Nikol Pashinyan faces continued opposition challenges, with multiple groups disputing the official results and alleging vote manipulation and bribery; officials also signal possible changes to how peace talks with Azerbaijan proceed. Pakistan vote petitions: In Gilgit-Baltistan, the election chief ruled on pending petitions, awarding the People’s Power Party 11 seats and leaving other parties with a clearer path forward. Nigeria party infighting: APC and PDP trade accusations over Isa Pantami’s party membership status as 2027 campaign positioning heats up. US health care fight: Senate Democrats moved to spotlight rising health costs by pushing a vote to block a Trump rule that could reduce ACA coverage and raise out-of-pocket costs. Wales independence pledge: Plaid Cymru reiterated it will not hold an independence referendum in the current Senedd term, drawing fresh questions in the Welsh government.

Election Access & Integrity: The Trump administration is pushing to get Wisconsin voter-roll data for the November elections, filing an appeal after a judge dismissed its case. Election Law Fight: North Carolina Republicans advanced a sweeping elections omnibus bill that would bar election board members from encouraging voter turnout, drawing backlash from voting-rights groups. Georgia Runoff: Georgia voters are back at the polls for key primary runoffs that could reshape November’s races, with results still coming in. DC Voting Changes: Washington, D.C. holds its first ranked-choice primary for mayor and delegate, with officials warning results could take days. Voter Fraud Claims Pushback: Senate Democrats held an elections-protection forum as officials warn false fraud narratives are “red meat” for political bases. Local Ballot Decisions: In Michigan, voters decide Aug. 4 whether to renew Potter Park Zoo millage funding, a major share of the zoo’s operating budget. Turnout Efforts: A new local group in Australia’s Town of The Blue Mountains is trying to lift municipal turnout from last time’s sub-30% level. Campaign Misinformation: Oklahoma faces new AI deepfake election-smear concerns ahead of its primary. Party Competition in Courts: Nigeria’s court fight over deregistering multiple parties is on hold after an appeals court order. School Board Filing Dates: Arlington, Minnesota sets July 14–28 filing for its Nov. 3 school board election.