Vote Smart Weekly Digest 53 days until the 2026 Midterm Elections Tuesday, November 3, 2026 A nonpartisan roundup of this week's key developments in elections, legislation, and civic affairs. In this issue Research · WTF · Elections · Key Votes Jump links may not work in some mobile apps. Just scroll on. New This Week Meet the Vote Smart Team Meet the people behind the research. A short introduction to the team that builds and maintains Vote Smart's nonpartisan data. ▶ Watch Now 01 Research Highlights Voter Verification Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Allow Expanded Voter Citizenship Database The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow use of an expanded Department of Homeland Security database to help check voter citizenship status before the 2026 midterm elections. Lower courts had blocked the expanded SAVE system after voting rights and privacy groups challenged its accuracy and use of personal data. Sources: CBS News | The Hill Redistricting Missouri Congressional Map Dispute Creates Election Uncertainty Missouri's congressional map dispute continued this week after state and federal court rulings gave conflicting direction on which district lines should be used for the November general election. The Missouri Supreme Court ordered a redistricting referendum placed on the ballot and said the prior map remains in effect unless voters approve the new map, while a federal court order created additional uncertainty for election officials. Sources: AP News | Fox News Mail Voting Washington and Oregon Report Rise in Ballots Rejected for Late Postmarks Election officials in Washington and Oregon reported increases in mail ballots rejected because of late postmarks following Postal Service processing changes. Oregon officials said 7,314 ballots received during the post-election grace period in the May 2026 primary were rejected for late postmarks, and officials in both states encouraged voters to use official drop boxes when possible. Sources: PBS News | US News & World Report 02 WTF — Words This Friday ▶ Watch Now The terms behind this week's headlines, defined in plain English by Executive Director Dr. Kyle Dell. Short, nonpartisan, and built for voters. 03 Elections & Biographies Biography In the News · OH U.S. House District 4 Jim Jordan to Seek Top Republican Post on House Oversight Committee On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio's 4th Congressional District announced that he plans to step down from leading Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee and seek the top Republican post on the House Oversight Committee. Jordan was first elected to Congress in 2006 after previously serving in both the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. He will face Democrat Joshua Kolasinski and Independent Tracey Tackett in the November 3 general election. Biography In the News · VA U.S. House District 3 Bobby Scott to Seek Top Democratic Post on House Education and Labor Committee This week, U.S. Representative Bobby Scott of Virginia's 3rd Congressional District sent a letter to colleagues announcing that he will seek the top Democratic post on the House Education and Labor Committee, also known as the House Education and Workforce Committee. Scott's announcement followed concerns from some colleagues about his lower-profile presence on the committee. He is expected to face fellow U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes for the position. Primary Elections This Week: New Hampshire • Gubernatorial • Congressional • State Legislative • Statewide Rhode Island • Gubernatorial • Congressional • State Legislative • Statewide Grassroots Funded Vote Smart Is Powered by People Like You Our research is paid for by individual members and supporters, which is what keeps it independent. A gift of any size helps us keep the facts free and nonpartisan. Donate Now → 04 Key Votes Congressional Legislation House · Passed HR 9436 — Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026 House · Resolution Passed H Res 1498 — In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Chuck Edwards House · Passed HR 1501 — Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 State Legislation California · Senate Concurrence Vote Passed SB 259 — Establishes Criminal Penalties for Interfering with Vote-by-Mail Ballots in California Wisconsin · Vetoed AB 102 — Prohibits Transgender Girls from Playing on Female Sports Teams at Any Institution of Higher Education Michigan · House Passed HB 4468 — Requires Health Insurers to Cover Gender Transition Reversals Our Anthem “Did My Research” Three words that sum up what Vote Smart is here for. Give it a listen. ▶ Listen Now Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Vote Smart | Civic Sage Voter's Research Hotline: 1-888-VOTE-SMART (1-888-868-3762) 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