Email from Vote Smart Research Recap   Vote Smart Weekly Digest Vol.4 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: Anniversary of the October 7th Attack on Israel: Israel is marking the one-year anniversary of the devastating Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. Memorial events are happening across the country and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is facing criticism from victims’ families and the public regarding the handling of hostages held by Hamas. The anniversary is being commemorated with multiple memorials, however there are also protests. The Supreme Court’s Potential Impact on the 2024 Election: The U.S. Supreme Court may play a crucial role in the 2024 presidential election. Several legal battles are ongoing in key states like Pennsylvania, where disputes over the handling of mail-in ballots could impact the election outcome. Issues related to deadlines for ballot submissions, particularly in light of disruptions from Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, are also likely to draw legal attention. The Supreme Court’s decisions on these matters could have significant implications for the election process and results. Hurricane Milton and Its Effect on Election Preparedness: Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, causing severe flooding and storm surges. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has been actively managing the state’s preparedness, suspending tolls and issuing updates on evacuation plans and state response efforts. The hurricane has disrupted parts of the southeastern U.S., impacting local election logistics and prompting additional preparedness measures. More than 3 million residents are left without power.   Key Votes: Congressional and State (By the Officials Research team: Sam, Johanan, Neal, Thomas, and Quinn. Interns: Allyna.) No Congressional legislation CT - HB 5005 - Expanding Paid Sick Days in the State WV - SB 152 - Requires the Phrase “In God We Trust” be Displayed in Public Schools and College Classrooms DE - HB 70 - Eliminates the Death Penalty in Delaware   Political Highlights: Here are some interesting candidates our team researched this week! (By the Elections Research team: Nick, Olin, Caleb, Seth, Max, and Lauren and Interns Dakarai, Luiza, and Kathia) Biographies & Elections: Donald Rainwater, the Libertarian nominee for Governor of Indiana, filled out the Political Courage Test this week. Ashwin Ramaswami, a technology consultant and analyst, is the Democratic nominee for Georgia’s 48th State Senate District. Thomas Herman, the Republican nominee for Congress in California’s 33rd District, filled out the Political Courage Test this week. Urge candidates in your state to fill out the Political Courage Test (PCT): Click here to view your state’s Political Courage Test   Donald Rainwater PCT Ashwin Ramaswami PCT Thomas Herman PCT   Endorsements: Here are some interesting endorsements and interest group ratings our team found this week! Kamala Harris: Endorsed by Humane Society Legislative Fund and Kansas AFL-CIO for both Harris & Walz Donald Trump: Texas Values Action and Nebraska Right to Life 3rd Party Candidates: No new endorsements     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 Olin is the elections monitoring research associate at Vote Smart. In his spare time he enjoys reading, watching baseball, and playing with his cats.   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