Email from Vote Smart This week's research today   Vote Smart Weekly Digest Vol.3 The Vote Smart Weekly Digest brings you timely, non-partisan insights straight to your inbox, helping you stay informed on key political facts and developments.   Research Highlights: 2024 Vice Presidential Debate: The 2024 Vice Presidential debate between Republican Senator JD Vance and Democrat Governor Tim Walz was a generally civil exchange. Both candidates took a strategic approach, focusing on key issues like abortion, housing, immigration, and democracy. We are now 32 days away from the election. Revival of Betting Markets: A federal court ruling has allowed Kalshi, a financial exchange startup, to reintroduce fully regulated political betting markets in the U.S. This decision paves the way for legally betting on election outcomes, such as which party will control the House and Senate. It's a significant change for political betting in the U.S.   J.D. Vance Tim Walz   Key Votes: By the Officials Research team: Sam, Johanan, Neal, Thomas, and Quinn. Interns: Marc and Allyna. Congressional and State Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act GA - SB 502 - Prohibits State Agencies from Contracting with Certain Companies for Marketing Purposes ID - H 668 - Prohibits Public Funding for Gender Transition WA - SB 6251 - Establishes Regionalized Coordinated Behavioral Health Crisis Response Plans   Political Highlights: By the Elections Research team: Nick, Olin, Caleb, Seth, Max, and Lauren. Interns: Dakarai, Luiza, and Kathia! Elections & Candidates Candidates from diverse political backgrounds and states—Nigel Bristow (Democrat, NC), Robert Reid (Independent, VA), and Heather Brown (Republican, IL)—have all demonstrated their commitment to transparency by completing the Political Courage Test. Click here to view your state’s Political Courage Test   Nigel Bristow PCT Robert Reid PCT Heather Brown PCT   Endorsements: Here are some interesting endorsements and interest group ratings our team found this week! Kamala Harris: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 25 endorsed Harris and Walz. Donald Trump: Florida Right to Life endorsed Trump 3rd Party Candidates: None for this week.     Voter Registration: Voter Registration and Polling Place Click here to add or view our elections calendar, which provides voter registration dates for every state.   Staff Shoutout Lori is our Membership and Operations Coordinator here at Vote Smart. She just passed her three year anniversary here. A year ago when she was walking to work, she found an abandoned kitten under her tomato bush. She scooped him up, took him to work and put him in foster care. Now, Theo is much fluffier, 12 pounds heavier and got adopted by her along with his foster brother, Alexander Hamilton. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and right now a frustrated gardener. She hopes that next year she’ll win a ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for cooking. (Theo is pictured below snuggled in Vote Smart's 30th anniversary merch).   Donate to keep us running on facts.   Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Vote Smart | 1153 24TH ST | DES MOINES, IA 50311-4308 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice