Insight and analysis of politics in North Carolina and beyond http://www.thevoterupdate.com Tue, 7 Apr 2009 11:00:37 -0800 Tue, 7 Apr 2009 11:17:37 -0800 http://www.thevoterupdate.com/images/voter_update_logo_rss.jpg http://www.thevoterupdate.com 175 175 http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/8_23_10_judicial_changes.php A new report from several national organizations says that the times are changing when it comes to judicial elections. Mon, 23 August 2010 20:21:33 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/8_9_10_washington_wait.php Being a state official is hard enough on its own, but it is even harder when the federal government doesn’t pull its weight. So it was refreshing last week when our state moved forward on at least one of the items Washington, D.C., can’t seem to check off its to-do list. Mon, 9 August 2010 20:21:33 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/8_3_10_campaign_noise.php A cartoonist's take on the rising decibels of election season. Tue, 3 August 2010 20:21:33 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/8_2_10_perdue_citizens_united.php Today at the State Capitol, Gov. Bev Perdue signed into law North Carolina’s response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning state and federal limits on corporate spending in elections. Mon, 2 August 2010 22:41:52 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php Will the Republican Revolution of 1994 replay in 2010? For insight, we speak with Dr. Andrew Taylor, chair of the political science department at N.C. State University in Raleigh. Wed, 28 July 2010 17:05:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/7_26_10_get_what_pay_for.php The result of the current camaign money chase is that government -- which should be of, by and for the people -- falls prey to the golden rule: “He who has the gold makes the rules.” Mon, 26 July 2010 14:17:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/7_21_10_oil_slinging.php A cartoonist's take on partisan bickering in the wake of the BP oil spill. Wed, 21 July 2010 16:01:41 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/7_16_10_face_in_the_crowd.php Of all communication advances, it may be television that has proven the most potent -- and perilous -- when it comes to marshalling popular will. That is the message of director Elia Kazan and screenwriter Budd Schulberg in their astonishingly prescient film "A Face in the Crowd." Fri, 16 July 2010 17:49:51 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/7_14_10_rush_to_adjourn.php The frenzy that is the last day of session isn’t the product of individual legislators or even one political party. There is a systemic problem with how the General Assembly is set up. Wed, 14 July 2010 14:46:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/7_13_10_growing_gap.php A cartoonist's take on North Carolina's looming $3 billion budget shortfall. Tue, 13 July 2010 11:34:13 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/6_30_10_kagan_confirmation.php A cartoonist's take on Elena Kagan's confirmation hearing for the U.S. Supreme Court. Wed, 30 June 2010 14:31:52 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/6_29_10_dispassion.php It took until the 18th month or so of his presidency, but it seems that the attack resonating with the chattering classes is that Obama is scandalously, outrageously, perhaps unforgivably ... calm. Tue, 29 June 2010 15:29:43 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/6_28_10_cooler_heads.php The trouble is that once upon a time there was a season for campaigns followed by a season for governing. Now, with a 24-hour news cycle and the perpetual need for fund raising, it’s a permanent campaign. Mon, 28 June 2010 14:46:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/6_23_10_obama_juggling.php A cartoonist's take President Obama's multitasking challenges. Wed, 23 June 2010 12:14:37 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/6_16_10_pillowfight.php A cartoonist's take on the state of 2010 politics on both sides of the Carolina border. Wed, 16 June 2010 11:29:01 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/6_14_10_runoff.php The fraction of registered voters who will carve out some time on June 22 to vote, or who cast a ballot using the early voting system, hold a considerable amount of sway in this election. It’s time to consider ways of changing the election process so more of us will get involved. Mon, 14 June 2010 13:21:07 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/runoff_6_7_10.php A cartoonist's take on North Carolina's Democratic runoff contest for the U.S. Senate. Mon, 7 June 2010 15:05:23 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/6_1_10_budget_writing.php On a recent Monday evening North Carolina budget writers saw firsthand many of the faces that tell the real story behind the often-abstract numbers adding up to a $19 billion state budget. Tue, 1 June 2010 22:33:37 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_31_10_short_session.php Time has come for a complete overhaul of the rules around legislative sessions. Mon, 31 May 2010 21:15:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/revenue_gap.php A cartoonist's take on North Carolina budget struggles and revenue gap. Tue, 25 May 2010 19:30:57 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_17_10_inner_beauty.php It isn’t grand architecture or unique design that makes the place great. The genius of the legislative building is its functionality. Mon, 17 May 2010 18:21:14 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/podcasts/index.php What accounted for just 14 percent turnout in North Carolina's primary and what do the results mean for the general election this fall? We speak with Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling to find out. Plus, with the Tea Party making waves, another beverage-based movement is percolating on the political scene. We speak with Davis Hall to get the inside scoop on the Coffee Party USA. And we hear a special report on youth voting from JulieAnn McKellog, Kate Hoolahan and Mike Lee from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism. Fri, 7 May 2010 20:12:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_5_10_primary_results.php Just 14 percent of registered North Carolina voters went to the polls for this year’s primary election, according to State Board of Elections. Wed, 5 May 2010 18:11:37 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_3_10_redistricting.php A "perfect storm" is brewing here in North Carolina. It's election season and this is the year of the census. Both of these factors lead straight to the politically dynamite topic of redistricting. Mon, 3 May 2010 19:35:41 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/5_3_10_primary_concerns.php This is primary election week in North Carolina, although it’s possible you may not have noticed. Mon, 3 May 2010 14:40:27 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/4_26_10_matchmaking.php With election season in full swing, candidates seeking a relationship of a different order could learn much from the world of 21st-century romance. Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:11:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/4_7_10_reform_poll.php An overwhelming majority of North Carolina voters are concerned by the role of special interest money in state politics and support bold reforms to the campaign finance system, according to a new poll from the nonpartisan N.C. Center for Voter Education. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 23:55:17 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/4_5_10_signs.php Spring is in full swing in North Carolina. Along with the blossoming flowers and newly sprouted leaves comes another ubiquitous seasonal presence: the political yard sign. Mon, 5 Apr 2010 22:28:52 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/3_22_10_granny_d.php Doris Haddock, who went by the name Granny D, set out from Los Angeles in 1999 and walked 10-20 miles a day -- for more than a year. Along the way she gathered support for campaign finance reform. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:17:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/3_8_10_march_madness.php Watching ESPN or CNN you will notice that both the political pundits and basketball gurus make their pronouncements with a striking degree of certainty. Sun, 7 Mar 2010 22:07:20 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/2_22_10_democracy_diet.php Like the diet of just one food, government reform won’t work if we do just one thing. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:03:17 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/2_8_10_campaigns_begin.php While the hoopla and pageantry of the Super Bowl are impressive, there are even more dramatic contests emerging throughout North Carolina. In these competitions the winners won’t get showered with Gatorade or mobbed by adoring fans, but a win gives you the opportunity to govern. Mon, 8 Feb 2010 23:17:24 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/2_4_10_national_security.php The 'activist' Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC obliterates a century of work to protect against corruption in American elections. Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:35:07 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/sen_brown.php A cartoonist's take on Scott Brown's election to the U.S. Senate. Mon, 1 Feb 2010 23:31:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/1_26_10_democracy_inc.php Determining the ‘winners’ in the Supreme Court case of Citizens United v. FEC is not as simple as right v. left Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:27:42 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/1_25_10_corporations_people.php How a Supreme Court ruling could open the floodgates to corporate cash in elections Mon, 25 Jan 2010 24:07:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/1_11_10_birthplace.php Should the Constitution be amended to allow foreign-born citizens to run for the White House? Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:12:21 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2010/1_11_10_brain_at_ballotbox.php In a recent study from Princeton University, a psychologist could predict election results over 70 percent of the time by flashing photographs of the candidates and asking study participants whom they thought was more competent. With nothing more to go on than a brief glimpse of opposing candidates and no regard for policy differences, experience levels, etc., people were making up their minds on who should serve as our leaders. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:51:17 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2010/1994.php A cartoonist's take on the GOP's New Year wish. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:01:28 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_29_09_polictionary.php With 2009 coming to an end, here are a few terms and phrases that were among the most prominent and peculiar in the political year that was. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:16:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_28_09_new_years.php While most New Year's resolutions have to do with eating better or exercising more, it’s not just our physical bodies that need improvement. Our body politic could also resolve to do better. Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:30:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_21_09_pigskin_politics.php When it comes to the high-stakes game of money in politics, not even college football is immune. Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:46:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/lieberman_publicoption.php A cartoonist's take on Sen. Joe Lieberman chasing the public option away. Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:22:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_14_09_keep_gov_honest.php While the honest-services statute might need some fine-tuning, it has been instrumental in putting away some bad apples that are spoiling the reputation of the rest of our public servants. Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:55:55 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/12_11_09_two_parties.php The Republican and Democratic parties are on divergent paths. Which will emerge victorious in the long run? Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:27:31 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/senate_healthcare.php A cartoonist's take on the health-care battle in the Senate. Tue, 1 Dec 2009 13:51:47 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/11_30_09_thankful.php Despite several high-profile political scandals and the increasingly divisive and sometimes cruel tone in our civic life, there is much to be grateful for in Tar Heel politics. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:28 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/11_16_09_money_talks.php Money talks and raising money early says that you are a contender. But instead of focusing so heavily on what the total amount raised says about a campaign, what else could money say if we were willing to listen? Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:31:08 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/election_day_deserted.php A cartoonist's take on rock-bottom turnout at the polls. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:07:11 GMT http://voterradio.com/audio/update/2009/vu_11_13_09/vu_11_13_09.mp3 The U.S. House has passed its long-awaited version of health-care reform. What challenges lie ahead in the Senate? And how could the health-care debate affect next year's congressional elections? We speak with Dr. Andrew Taylor of N.C. State University to find out. Plus, the N.C. Libertarian Party is taking the state to court over North Carolina's ballot-access laws, which it says are among the strictest in the nation. To get the latest on the case and insight into what it all means for North Carolina voters, we speak with Barbara Howe, chair of the N.C. Libertarian Party, and Adam Mitchell, the attorney representing the Libertarians in their suit against the state. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:03:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/11_10_09_mark_hanna.php In 1896, the modern American presidential campaign was born. The midwife was coal and iron magnate Mark Hanna. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:17:25 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/11_2_09_catch_doing_right.php Right now, it’s easy to catch our elected officials doing something wrong. Let’s make it just as easy to catch them doing something right. Mon, 2 Nov 2009 17:12:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/wild_fundraising.php A cartoonist's take on the ongoing campaign money chase. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:07:11 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/10_19_09_gift_ban.php How a new ban on gifts to executive-branch employees can protect public trust in state government Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:15:12 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/democratic_majority.php A cartoonist's take on the internal party strife stifling health-care reform. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:03:07 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/10_5_09_making_courtroom_a_classroom.php While our Legislative Building and governor’s mansion welcome visitors, our courtrooms are rarely seen by anyone other than the lawyers, clerks and judges who work there. Mon, 5 Oct 2009 16:10:17 GMT http://voterradio.com/audio/update/2009/vu_9_25_09/vu_9_25_09.mp3 From the simmering health-care debate to North Carolina's upcoming U.S. Senate battle, we make a political roundup with Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling. And, did you know there's an election on? It's not too late to vote in your local elections. We speak with Damon Circosta of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, to get the facts on casting a ballot in this year's local elections across from North Carolina. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:03:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/9_22_09_myth_of_civility.php Congressman Joe Wilson’s outburst didn’t signal the death of civil political discourse, but was just another bitter chapter in the nation’s long history of partisan rancor. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:05:21 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/9_21_09_democracy_not_glamorous.php Local elections lack the fanfare of national contests, but have just as much at stake Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:07:05 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/9_8_09_corporate_speech.php How a Supreme Court case focusing on an anti-Hillary Clinton movie could radically change the campaign money chase Tue, 8 Sep 2009 20:07:05 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/8_28_09_supers_for_pres.php Which superhero would make the best president? Here’s a quick take on a few of the leading contenders. Plus, cast your vote in our poll. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:04:07 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/8_24_09_letter_to_afghanistan.php In light of the recent vote in that country, this is an open letter to the people of Afghanistan. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:47:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/unamerican.php Both sides of the political aisle should stop questioning the 'American-ness' of their opponents. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:32:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/rising_decibels.php It seems like the volume has been turned up in our political discourse lately. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:35:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/lawmakers_deserve_credit.php As the General Assembly adjourns for the year after more than six months in session, let us pause and say a word of thanks to the 170 members of the state legislature. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:00:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/frankenstein_budget.php A cartoonist's take on the struggle to craft a budget nobody likes. Thu, 6 Aug 2009 18:40:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/convincing_elected_reform_elections.php Part of the work I do is to advocate for reforms that would improve our election system. It’s interesting work. Not only are questions of election law increasingly complex, but working with elected officials to change the rules that were in place when they got elected makes for an interesting dynamic. Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:30:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/improving_business_of_government.php What the people's business can learn from big business Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:00:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/voterowned_saves_money.php A settlement reached this week between the insurance industry and the Department of Insurance reverses a 9.4 percent rate increase, bans all further increases into 2011 and requires insurance companies to return $50 million to consumers with interest. This positive news for North Carolina drivers is due in part to the state's 'Voter-Owned Elections' program. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/lemonade_stand.php A cartoonist's take on North Carolina's budget shortfall. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/cartoons/2009/sotomayor_senate.php A cartoonist's take on the spectacle in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/confirmation_charade.php Instead of talking about what those policy views are, the senators ask questions about fidelity to principals of judicial restraint, and the prospective justice artfully dodges any questions about substantive policy matters that happen to come her way. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/public_financing_goodwin.php Last year’s presidential campaign was in great part about hope. But what many North Carolinians may not know is that a pilot voter program quietly re-instilled hope in our elections and the power of the people over special interests. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/adams_jefferson.php How the rivalry of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams paralleled the rise of partisan fissures in the U.S. Thu, 9 Jul 2009 17:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/john_franklin.php While the people who knew him have been mourning the passing of John Hope Franklin all spring, it is in the wake of a most recent Supreme Court decision that the wider world will feel the sting of his absence. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:57:02 GMT http://voterradio.com/audio/update/2009/vu_6_26_09/vu_6_26_09.mp3 We get insight into the creation of the Raleigh-based Foundation for Ethics in Public Service from the man at its helm, former state auditor Les Merritt. Plus, 150 years after its demise the Whig Party is back. We speak with Elaine Stephens from the Modern Whigs. And we continue our look at some of our favorite films about American politics. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:56:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/lobbyday.php The issue of money in politics prompted about 120 North Carolinians from across the state to gather at the General Assembly on Wednesday for a citizens lobby day organized by the nonpartisan N.C. Voters for Clean Elections. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:57:02 GMT http://www.thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/money_conflict.php How a Supreme Court ruling and the furor at N.C. State show the discomforting role of money in the decision making of public officials Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:57:02 GMT http://voterradio.com/audio/update/2009/vu_6_12_09/vu_6_12_09.mp3 How could a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling impact when elected judges must recuse themselves? We speak with Bert Brandenburg of Justice at Stake to find out. Plus, seven years after its creation, what do North Carolina voters think about their state's system of public campaign financing for the N.C. Supreme Court and N.C. Court of Appeals? Jonathan Crook of Public Policy Polling offers the latest data. And a look at two of our favorite films about American politics. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:56:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/caperton.php Reform advocates say decision confirms importance of N.C. judicial public financing Mon, 8 Jun 2009 11:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/court_funding.php How inter-branch cooperation can save tax dollars and improve government efficiency Mon, 8 Jun 2009 10:57:02 GMT http://voterradio.com/audio/update/2009/vu_6_5_09/vu_6_5_09.mp3 President Barack Obama has named U.S. Appeals Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor as his pick to replace retiring Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court. So who is Sonia Sotomayor and how could her ascension to the Supreme Court change the way it rules on cases from gun rights to abortion and more? Veteran Supreme Court reporter Lyle Denniston of SCOTUSblog.com joins us to offer insight into Sotomayor's nomination to the nation's highest court. Fri, 5 Jun 2009 14:56:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/pre_registration.php Bill would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to 'pre-register' to vote Mon, 25 May 2009 10:57:02 GMT http://voterradio.com/audio/update/2009/vu_5_22_09/vu_5_22_09.mp3 From the chaos of "Crossover Week" to the looming budget crisis, we get the latest from the N.C. Legislature with Ben Niolet of the Raleigh News and Observer. Fri, 22 May 2009 14:56:02 GMT http://voterradio.com/audio/update/2009/vu_5_15_09/vu_5_15_09.mp3 How has President Barack Obama faired in his first 100 days in the Oval Office? How will the departure of Justice David Souter shake up the U.S. Supreme Court? Which North Carolina Democrat will challenge Sen. Richard Burr in his upcoming re-election bid? We contemplate these questions and more with Dr. Andrew Taylor, chair of the political science department at N.C. State University. Fri, 15 May 2009 14:56:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/fair_elections.php Bill would create publicly financed congressional campaigns Mon, 11 May 2009 12:57:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/reform_supreme.php Five proposals for improving the nation's highest court Mon, 11 May 2009 08:56:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/you_run.php Five easy steps to launch your campaign Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:56:02 GMT http://voterradio.com/audio/update/2009/vu_4_24_09/vu_4_24_09.mp3 Rep. Walter Jones (NC-3) joins us on The Voter Update Podcast to make the case for reducing the cost of campaigning for Congress and why it should matter to you. Plus, Brian Irving from the Libertarian Party explains the latest develops in the fight over North Carolina's ballot access laws and what's next for the Tar Heel State's only officially recognized third party. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:56:02 GMT http://thevoterupdate.com/articles/2009/big_business.php On one hand, those of us who can’t afford a large donation grumble about the disproportionate influence that big money has on campaigns. On the other hand, a very small minority of Americans is essentially footing the entire bill for political campaigns. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:56:02 GMT