Bolts
@boltsmag.org
A publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change: Boltsmag.org
The best way to keep up with our coverage of local elections throughout the year is by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We share election updates and stories about voting rights and criminal justice, plus behind-the-scenes insights from our team.
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boltsmag.org
December 26, 2025 at 6:33 PM
The best way to keep up with our coverage of local elections throughout the year is by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We share election updates and stories about voting rights and criminal justice, plus behind-the-scenes insights from our team.
Democratic state Senator Claire Celsi, who passed away in October, represented a Central Iowa district. National Democrats have rallied around Renee Hardman to keep the GOP from a supermajority.
The 25 Elections to Watch This December - Bolts
On the heels of their sweeping wins in November, Democrats have opportunities to gain further ground in December runoffs and special elections. They’re hoping for upsets in conservative territory, from... Read More
boltsmag.org
December 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Democratic state Senator Claire Celsi, who passed away in October, represented a Central Iowa district. National Democrats have rallied around Renee Hardman to keep the GOP from a supermajority.
Congress has the authority to prohibit mid-decade redistricting. In fact, several bills have been filed this year to ban states from redrawing maps unless they’re ordered to by a court.
The Escalating Race to Redistrict: Your Questions Answered
How are the new maps changing the midterms? Would proportional representation help? Why are courts not doing more? You asked, and we’ve got answers about mid-decade redistricting.
boltsmag.org
December 26, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Congress has the authority to prohibit mid-decade redistricting. In fact, several bills have been filed this year to ban states from redrawing maps unless they’re ordered to by a court.
Iowa Republicans lost their supermajority in the state Senate this year, which means they can no longer confirm appointees of Governor Kim Reynolds on a party-line vote.
In 2025, Democrats Flipped 21 Percent of GOP-Held Legislative Seats
The party secured strong gains reminiscent of 2017, our annual review of state legislative results shows. They won multiple new seats in New Jersey, Virginia, Iowa, and Mississippi.
boltsmag.org
December 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Iowa Republicans lost their supermajority in the state Senate this year, which means they can no longer confirm appointees of Governor Kim Reynolds on a party-line vote.
Some state constitutions still contain explicit exceptions that allow forced labor for incarcerated people, a direct legacy of the 13th Amendment’s “exception clause.”
The Past and Present of Prison Labor: Your Questions Answered
A historian answers <i>Bolts</i> readers’ questions on the deep roots of forced labor in U.S. prisons, how it operates today, and efforts to challenge it.
boltsmag.org
December 26, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Some state constitutions still contain explicit exceptions that allow forced labor for incarcerated people, a direct legacy of the 13th Amendment’s “exception clause.”
A new Colorado law includes requirements that dozens of cities provide multilingual ballots during local elections, bridging a major gap in access for voting in those races.
Colorado Strengthens Access to Ballots in Spanish
The state adopted a Voting Rights Act to stand in for quickly eroding federal protections. Still, local advocates warn there’s much more Colorado can do to ensure multilingual access.
boltsmag.org
December 25, 2025 at 11:02 PM
A new Colorado law includes requirements that dozens of cities provide multilingual ballots during local elections, bridging a major gap in access for voting in those races.
“I can’t see a rational reason to move inmates that have been compliant in an environment to a more restrictive environment,” says the former president of the American Correctional Association.
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for “Living Hell” Under Trump
Trump officials are retaliating by imposing the harshest conditions in the entire federal prison system, including near total isolation.
boltsmag.org
December 25, 2025 at 9:29 PM
“I can’t see a rational reason to move inmates that have been compliant in an environment to a more restrictive environment,” says the former president of the American Correctional Association.
A group in San Diego has been patrolling neighborhoods to identify potential ICE presence. They keep watch for vehicles that may belong to federal agencies, and use livestreams, radios, and social media to keep communities informed.
How Volunteer Patrols Are Working to Protect San Diego Immigrant Communities From ICE
In response to mass deportation threats and mixed messages from county leaders on federal cooperation, San Diego organizers are taking action to inform residents of ICE activity.
boltsmag.org
December 25, 2025 at 8:08 PM
A group in San Diego has been patrolling neighborhoods to identify potential ICE presence. They keep watch for vehicles that may belong to federal agencies, and use livestreams, radios, and social media to keep communities informed.
The New Mexico Attorney General’s recent opinion limiting parole for people given life sentences as juveniles coincides with an increased focus on punitive policies for juvenile crime in the state.
New Mexico Officials Block a Pathway to Freedom for Juvenile Lifers Despite Reforms
State lawmakers banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
boltsmag.org
December 25, 2025 at 6:27 PM
The New Mexico Attorney General’s recent opinion limiting parole for people given life sentences as juveniles coincides with an increased focus on punitive policies for juvenile crime in the state.
States have adopted constitutional amendments that specify criteria that new maps must meet, but a constitutional scholar cautions that it’s then up to judges to actually apply them.
The Escalating Race to Redistrict: Your Questions Answered
How are the new maps changing the midterms? Would proportional representation help? Why are courts not doing more? You asked, and we’ve got answers about mid-decade redistricting.
boltsmag.org
December 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
States have adopted constitutional amendments that specify criteria that new maps must meet, but a constitutional scholar cautions that it’s then up to judges to actually apply them.
“It’ll put you in a position to be able to have a decent life, not one of struggle,” says a graduate of an Oregon workforce development program that supports incarcerated people preparing for their release from prison.
Budget Cuts Threaten Oregon Program for Helping People Get Jobs After Prison
The state had recently expanded the novel program for providing one-on-one career coaching, job fairs behind bars, and support for people after release.
boltsmag.org
December 25, 2025 at 3:29 PM
“It’ll put you in a position to be able to have a decent life, not one of struggle,” says a graduate of an Oregon workforce development program that supports incarcerated people preparing for their release from prison.
Ohio’s new ban on grace periods for mail ballots follows years of GOP crusading against mail voting, which the president and other leaders have falsely claimed introduces voter fraud into elections.
Ohio Bans Grace Periods for Mail Ballots, Fulfilling Trump’s Wishes
Ohio is the fourth GOP-run state this year to ban ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after. A Supreme Court case could force that policy nationwide next year.
boltsmag.org
December 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Ohio’s new ban on grace periods for mail ballots follows years of GOP crusading against mail voting, which the president and other leaders have falsely claimed introduces voter fraud into elections.
“Making incarcerated people pay for communication has a regressive effect on their well-being, on their improvement in prison, and after they are released,” says Wanda Betram, a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative.
Priced Out of Phone Calls Home
The FCC blocked Biden-era limits on the exorbitant rates and fees charged by prison telecom companies, leaving incarcerated people and their families to fight for state-level reforms.
boltsmag.org
December 25, 2025 at 1:00 AM
“Making incarcerated people pay for communication has a regressive effect on their well-being, on their improvement in prison, and after they are released,” says Wanda Betram, a spokesperson for the Prison Policy Initiative.
Newark’s civilian oversight board works with residents who report police misconduct and has advocated for the state to give them stronger powers. “It gives folks a stake in what is happening in the police department,” says one of the board’s commissioners.
New Jersey Cities Are Pressing Resistant State Officials for Civilian Police Oversight
Local officials in Newark, Jersey City, and Trenton want civilian agencies that can investigate police and issue subpoenas. But they keep running into the state’s Democratic leaders.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Newark’s civilian oversight board works with residents who report police misconduct and has advocated for the state to give them stronger powers. “It gives folks a stake in what is happening in the police department,” says one of the board’s commissioners.
Reposted by Bolts
NM lawmakers in 2023 passed a Second Chance Act to ban life without parole sentences for juveniles. But a recent opinion by the state’s AG, which appears to conflict with the reform law, is now blocking releases and threatens to pull others back into prison
the latest from @laurengill.bsky.social
the latest from @laurengill.bsky.social
New Mexico Officials Block a Pathway to Freedom for Juvenile Lifers Despite Reforms - Bolts
New Mexico lawmakers banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
boltsmag.org
December 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
NM lawmakers in 2023 passed a Second Chance Act to ban life without parole sentences for juveniles. But a recent opinion by the state’s AG, which appears to conflict with the reform law, is now blocking releases and threatens to pull others back into prison
the latest from @laurengill.bsky.social
the latest from @laurengill.bsky.social
Congress could mandate that states use proportional representation, with parties getting a number of seats proportional to their share of the vote. Advocates are already pushing for some states to experiment with this reform.
The Escalating Race to Redistrict: Your Questions Answered
How are the new maps changing the midterms? Would proportional representation help? Why are courts not doing more? You asked, and we’ve got answers about mid-decade redistricting.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Congress could mandate that states use proportional representation, with parties getting a number of seats proportional to their share of the vote. Advocates are already pushing for some states to experiment with this reform.
Ohio legislators passed a law ending the state’s practice of counting mail ballots that are postmarked prior to Election Day but that arrive up to four days after polls.
This is a priority for President Trump, and the state is following his lead.
This is a priority for President Trump, and the state is following his lead.
Ohio Bans Grace Periods for Mail Ballots, Fulfilling Trump’s Wishes
Ohio is the fourth GOP-run state this year to ban ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after. A Supreme Court case could force that policy nationwide next year.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Ohio legislators passed a law ending the state’s practice of counting mail ballots that are postmarked prior to Election Day but that arrive up to four days after polls.
This is a priority for President Trump, and the state is following his lead.
This is a priority for President Trump, and the state is following his lead.
Having secured control of the legislature, Virginia Democrats will likely soon advance constitutional amendments to enshrine abortion rights and restore voting rights to people once they’re released from prison.
In 2025, Democrats Flipped 21 Percent of GOP-Held Legislative Seats
The party secured strong gains reminiscent of 2017, our annual review of state legislative results shows. They won multiple new seats in New Jersey, Virginia, Iowa, and Mississippi.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Having secured control of the legislature, Virginia Democrats will likely soon advance constitutional amendments to enshrine abortion rights and restore voting rights to people once they’re released from prison.
Reposted by Bolts
This incredible piece by @laurengill.bsky.social for @boltsmag.org highlights one Arkansas county's fight to stop the construction of a new mega-prison, reminding us that prisons are political projects:
The Prison Next Door
How Arkansas’ secretive plan for a new state lockup angered people in a deep red corner of rural America—and changed how some see incarceration.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:05 PM
This incredible piece by @laurengill.bsky.social for @boltsmag.org highlights one Arkansas county's fight to stop the construction of a new mega-prison, reminding us that prisons are political projects:
New Mexico’s Second Chance Act was supposed to give people sentenced to life without parole as juveniles a pathway to freedom. But an opinion by the state attorney general is now blocking releases.
New Mexico Officials Block a Pathway to Freedom for Juvenile Lifers Despite Reforms
State lawmakers banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
New Mexico’s Second Chance Act was supposed to give people sentenced to life without parole as juveniles a pathway to freedom. But an opinion by the state attorney general is now blocking releases.
“We don’t want this report to go sit up on someone’s bookshelf in their office and gather dust,” says a co-chair of the Sonya Massey Commission, about their new report. “We want this to be a living document—a blueprint.”
A Police Killing Drew National Protests. At Home, a Commission Struggles with How to Make a Difference.
More than a year after Sonya Massey was killed by police in Illinois, a namesake commission has wrestled over changes that would prevent future tragedies.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 3:32 PM
“We don’t want this report to go sit up on someone’s bookshelf in their office and gather dust,” says a co-chair of the Sonya Massey Commission, about their new report. “We want this to be a living document—a blueprint.”
Advocates in New Jersey say lawmakers should codify into state law a directive that restricts local collaboration with ICE.
“We need to do whatever we can in New Jersey to protect our people,” says the director of the ACLU in the state.
“We need to do whatever we can in New Jersey to protect our people,” says the director of the ACLU in the state.
Immigration Protections Are Uncertain in New Jersey even as Democrats Keep Governorship
Advocates want to promptly codify the limits on immigration enforcement put in place by the outgoing governor. Mikie Sherill, Tuesday’s winner, has declined to say if she
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Advocates in New Jersey say lawmakers should codify into state law a directive that restricts local collaboration with ICE.
“We need to do whatever we can in New Jersey to protect our people,” says the director of the ACLU in the state.
“We need to do whatever we can in New Jersey to protect our people,” says the director of the ACLU in the state.
Six states have adopted new maps so far this year: California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. Several face legal challenges, but Missouri’s is in the most immediate limbo.
Read more in our new explainer on gerrymandering:
Read more in our new explainer on gerrymandering:
The Escalating Race to Redistrict: Your Questions Answered
How are the new maps changing the midterms? Would proportional representation help? Why are courts not doing more? You asked, and we’ve got answers about mid-decade redistricting.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Six states have adopted new maps so far this year: California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. Several face legal challenges, but Missouri’s is in the most immediate limbo.
Read more in our new explainer on gerrymandering:
Read more in our new explainer on gerrymandering:
New Mexico’s Second Chance Act bans life sentences without parole for juveniles. But the state’s attorney general’s narrow interpretation of the reform appears to conflict with the law and is keeping at least one man behind bars.
New Mexico Officials Block a Pathway to Freedom for Juvenile Lifers Despite Reforms
State lawmakers banned life without parole for juveniles. But an opinion by the attorney general and parole board decisions could keep some from getting a second chance.
boltsmag.org
December 24, 2025 at 12:00 AM
New Mexico’s Second Chance Act bans life sentences without parole for juveniles. But the state’s attorney general’s narrow interpretation of the reform appears to conflict with the law and is keeping at least one man behind bars.
"In a defeat for President Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court this afternoon decided to leave in place a lower-court block that prevents the administration from deploying the National Guard in Illinois."
U.S. Supreme Court sides against Trump, won't lift block on National Guard deployment in Illinois
The decision, appearing on the high court’s “emergency” or “shadow” docket, is the first from the justices addressing President Donald Trump’s efforts to deploy National Guard troops into American cities against the will of local elected officials.
chicago.suntimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:30 PM
"In a defeat for President Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court this afternoon decided to leave in place a lower-court block that prevents the administration from deploying the National Guard in Illinois."