Vote Smart Weekly Digest A nonpartisan roundup of this week's key developments in elections, legislation, and civic affairs. WTF — Words This Friday ▶ Watch This Week's WTF Segment with Executive Director Dr. Kyle Dell Each week, Vote Smart Executive Director Dr. Kyle Dell breaks down the most surprising — and important — things happening in American democracy. Short, sharp, and nonpartisan. Watch Now → Research Highlights Election Integrity California Primary Vote Count Draws Federal Scrutiny and Election Integrity Debate California's primary election count remained ongoing as election officials continued processing mail ballots. Federal prosecutors announced election-fraud investigations and sent an observer to a Los Angeles vote-counting center, while state officials emphasized that California law allows ballots to be counted after Election Day if they meet statutory requirements. Sources: AP News | NBC News Misinformation Prediction Markets Tighten Rules on Election-Related Misinformation Kalshi and Polymarket announced new restrictions on paid affiliates and content creators who promote election-related claims that contradict official election results or spread false information. The policy changes followed social media posts questioning California's vote-counting process after the June 2 primary, prompting both companies to strengthen enforcement of their content standards and affiliate policies. Sources: NPR | The Guardian Voting Rights DHS Expands Voter Citizenship Verification and Mail Ballot Monitoring Initiative The Department of Homeland Security approved a plan that would allow states to verify voter citizenship through federal databases and provide election officials with access to federal records when reviewing voter eligibility. The initiative also includes coordination with the U.S. Postal Service to monitor mail-ballot activity for potential irregularities, as part of broader federal efforts focused on election administration and voter eligibility verification. Sources: Fox News | Breitbart Elections & Biographies Primary Election Democratic Nomination · ME US Senate Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary Democrat Graham Platner won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, defeating fellow Democrat and current Governor Janet Mills by a margin of 71.8% to 19.5%. A military veteran, Platner entered the race with support from several labor unions and community organizations. He will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the November general election. View ME Results → Primary Election Republican Renomination · SC US Senate Lindsey Graham Wins South Carolina Senate Primary Republican incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham won his primary election on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, securing renomination with 56.8% of the vote compared to challenger Mark Lynch's 28.9%. Backed by an endorsement from President Trump, Graham advanced comfortably and will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in the November general election. View SC Results → More Elections This Week: Maine • Congressional Primary • Gubernatorial Primary • State Legislative Primary Nevada • Congressional Primary • Gubernatorial Primary • Statewide Primary • State Judicial Primary • State Legislative Primary North Dakota • Congressional Primary • Statewide Primary • State Judicial Primary • State Legislative Primary South Carolina • Congressional Primary • Gubernatorial Primary • Statewide Primary • State Legislative Primary Key Votes Congressional Legislation Congress · House & Senate Passed S 2 — Secure America Act Congress · House Passed HR 8646 — Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027 Congress · House Passed HR 2913 — Ukraine Support Act State Legislation Washington · House Passed HB 2333 — Authorizes Use of Campaign Funds and Other Personal Security Measures for Elected Officials Oklahoma · House Passed HB 3546 — Prohibits Artificial Intelligence from Being Granted the Same Rights as a Human Iowa · Signed HF 864 — Requires Adult-Content Platforms to Use Age Verification to Prevent Traffic by Minors (Governor Kim Reynolds) Vote Smart | Civic Sage Nonpartisan. Factual. Yours. Vote Smart | 1153 24TH ST, DES MOINES, IA 50311-4308 Unsubscribe Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try it free today