Research Highlights:

• Presidential Clemency Actions: President Joe Biden granted clemency to nearly 1,500 individuals, citing their rehabilitation and changes in sentencing laws since their convictions. This action includes commutations for those in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and pardons for non-violent offenses.
• Time's Person of the Year: Time magazine named President-elect Donald Trump as its Person of the Year, marking his influence on national and global politics. He celebrated the recognition by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, the first president to do so since Ronald Reagan.
• Diplomatic Efforts in the Middle East: U.S. officials, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, engaged in diplomatic visits to Israel, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. The mission focused on mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, addressing regional humanitarian concerns, and discussing broader Middle East stability.

Key Votes: Congressional and State

Congressional Legislation

• Congress - House passed HR 5349 - Crucial Communism Teaching Act
• Congress - House passed HR 7198 - Prove It Act of 2024
• Congress - House passed HR 9598 - Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024

State Legislation

• Michigan (MI) - House passed HB 5436 - Authorizes Pharmacists to Prescribe and Dispense Certain Contraceptives.
• Ohio (OH) - House passed HB 683 - Allocates $10 million from the State General Budget in Drought Relief for Farmers
• New York (NY) - Governor signed A 10140 - Prohibits Removing Horseshoe Crabs for Commercial or Biomedical Purposes



Biographies and Elections: Here are some interesting candidates our team researched this week!

• Democrat Adam Schiff was sworn in as the next United States Senator for California, succeeding fellow Democrat Laphonza Butler (who was appointed last year by Governor Gavin Newsom after the passing of Dianne Feinstein). Last November, Schiff won both the special election to finish out the last month of this term as well as the election for the full six-year term.
• Democrat Andy Kim was sworn in as the next United States Senator for New Jersey, succeeding fellow Democrat George Helmy (who was appointed after the resignation of Bob Menendez). In November, Kim won the election for a full six-year term, but was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to fill out the remaining month of Menendez’ term.
• On Sunday, December 15th, Representative Kelly Armstrong will resign his seat in Congress to be sworn in as Governor of North Dakota, succeeding fellow Republican Doug Burgum.

Our team is hard at work processing the election results! Click on the links below to view the winners of each race:

• 2024 Presidential Election
• 2024 Congressional Elections
• 2024 Gubernatorial Elections
• 2024 Statewide Elections
• 2024 State Judicial Elections
• 2024 State Legislative Elections

Voter Education:

• Government 101

In Memoriam, Congressman Jim Leach, 1942-2024

We mourn the loss of Congressman Jim Leach, a founding board member of Vote Smart. Renowned for his remarkable tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Jim was a steadfast advocate for ethics and transparency in government. His bipartisan approach not only shaped legislation but also set a standard for civic discourse and mutual respect across the aisle.

As a leader, he championed campaign finance reform and tirelessly worked towards fostering international understanding and peace. His profound commitment to public service and his visionary leadership helped lay the groundwork for Vote Smart’s mission to provide factual, unbiased information to voters.



Jim’s legacy is ingrained in our values and continues to inspire our work. His life reminds us of the impact thoughtful, principled leadership can have on our community and country. Our thoughts are with his family during this time of loss. His enduring influence will forever be a pillar of our organization.

Statement from Vote Smart President, Kyle Dell, on Congressman Leach.