Democracy

Support Independent Journalism: Join Democracy Now!’s Community of Monthly Donors Today!

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New York, New York — Nearly three decades after its debut, Democracy Now! continues to stand as a beacon of independent journalism amidst a media landscape often dominated by commercial interests. The program aims to provide accurate and thought-provoking news that challenges mainstream narratives. As it celebrates its long-standing commitment to delivering global news, the organization is reaching out to its supporters to promote monthly donations. Monthly contributions are increasingly vital for the organization, accounting for over 20 percent of its annual revenue. The plea for financial support reflects the ongoing need for independent media … Read more

Turkey’s Innovation Party Challenges 2017 Referendum: A Legal Battle for Democracy as Unstamped Ballots Come Under Fire

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Ankara, Turkey — The Innovation Party (YP) has initiated a legal challenge to overturn a 2017 constitutional referendum, which granted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expansive powers by shifting Turkey’s governance from a parliamentary system to an executive presidency. The party’s lawsuit, filed in the Ankara 1st Civil Court of First Instance, claims that the use of unstamped ballots undermined the legitimacy of the vote, as reported by the Turkish edition of Euronews. Party Chairman Öztürk Yılmaz announced the lawsuit on social media, where he distributed relevant court documents while emphasizing allegations of widespread irregularities concerning … Read more

Is Massachusetts’ Direct Democracy Thriving or Struggling? A Look at the Complex Legacy of the Initiative Process

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In Boston, Massachusetts, a longstanding debate about the implications of direct democracy is intensifying as the state’s initiative-and-referendum process faces scrutiny regarding its legitimacy and efficacy. The ability of citizens to propose and vote on laws and constitutional amendments has come under fire, especially amid concerns over recent legislative actions that many view as undermining voter decisions. Proponents of ballot initiatives argue that citizens have been consistently thwarted by lawmakers manipulating or disregarding voter-approved measures, particularly those aimed at lowering the income tax and implementing a Clean Elections campaign finance system. Detractors claim that some … Read more

Ron DeSantis Champions Florida’s Election Laws as a National Blueprint for Democracy

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has praised his state’s election laws, asserting they represent a model for the nation. During a recent event, the governor emphasized the importance of these policies in ensuring election integrity and fostering public trust in the electoral process. DeSantis highlighted several provisions of Florida’s election framework, including voter ID requirements and the regulation of ballot drop boxes. He argued that such measures contribute to a more secure voting environment, an assertion that aligns with his administration’s broader focus on electoral reforms since he took office in 2019. The … Read more