Scotty Gordon News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

In the coming months, South Dakotans will see outreach about some big changes potentially being ushered into the state's primary elections. This month, a coalition filed a petition to collect signatures to get an "open-primary" question on the 2024 ballot. The plan says in races for Governor, Congress, the Legislature and county seats, the two candidates with the most votes would advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. ...

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill to allow candidates seeking state or local office to use campaign funds for child care. Child care is already covered for those seeking a federal office, but Massachusetts law considers it a "personal" expense for which campaign funds cannot be used. Rep. ...

Georgia is among the 19 states that enforce jail time for marijuana possession, resulting in a significant impact on the Black community, with the state ranking fourth highest in marijuana-related arrests. Despite similar usage rates across all races, Black people in Georgia are three times more likely to be arrested for possessing marijuana than are white people. Consequently, advocates with a group called VIBE are pushing for cannabis reform and promoting civic engagement among Black men. ...

Groups in Illinois are pushing legislation that would restore voting rights, including for people currently incarcerated. According to Stand Up America, Illinois has "the chance to make history" by being the first state to restore voting rights for everyone. Last year the group conducted a poll which found close to 60% percent of Illinois voters support legislative efforts that guarantee the right to vote for all citizens 18 and older, including those completing a sentence. ...