Stephen Hardwick
@nonfinality.com
Appellate public defender. Poll worker. Peace Corps Tunisia. Low-level zoning chair. Wolverine in Buckeye land. Cyclist. Personal views only. On the payroll of the rain garden interests.
he/him
LOTR/poll worker feeds
https://www.eac.gov/help-america-vote
he/him
LOTR/poll worker feeds
https://www.eac.gov/help-america-vote
Pinned
Stephen Hardwick
@nonfinality.com
· Jan 12
Trump Regrets Not Seizing Voting Machines After 2020 Election
www.nytimes.com
If you can serve as a poll worker, now is the time. The US has numerous, redundant checks to prevent vote-count fraud, but competent, honest poll workers are critical. If you want to make sure your small part of the election is run by the book, learn how to sign up here: www.eac.gov/help-america...
One of many lessons we should have learned over the past 13 months is that we shouldn’t relinquish our moral judgment to the priorities, whims, honesty, or competence of prosecutors.
No. The bedrock of a free society is that individual human beings get to look at the available information and choose what they believe based on it.
"Innocent until proven guilty" is about when we allow the organs of the *State* to punish. That doesn't mean you needed to let your kid sleepover with
"Innocent until proven guilty" is about when we allow the organs of the *State* to punish. That doesn't mean you needed to let your kid sleepover with
February 9, 2026 at 11:33 PM
One of many lessons we should have learned over the past 13 months is that we shouldn’t relinquish our moral judgment to the priorities, whims, honesty, or competence of prosecutors.
Small anti-ICE victory. The owner of a small group of coffee shops put up a long, wishy washy post that seemed to mean that if ICE agents showed up, he’d welcome them and kick out people who complained. A boycott was started. A week later, the sign just says “NO ICE. Immigrants Welcome.”
February 8, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Small anti-ICE victory. The owner of a small group of coffee shops put up a long, wishy washy post that seemed to mean that if ICE agents showed up, he’d welcome them and kick out people who complained. A boycott was started. A week later, the sign just says “NO ICE. Immigrants Welcome.”
I wish this were a joke, but it isn’t. It also misstates the problem in an all-too-common way—“cars crashing into buildings” takes responsibility away from the human beings who carelessly pilot the machines. With the exception of one Tesla, *people* have *driven* the cars into the buildings.
"Cars crashing into stuff doesn't have to be normal. We can do better than that." https://tinyurl.com/47bvh6j4?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_NBC4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky_
February 8, 2026 at 2:28 PM
I wish this were a joke, but it isn’t. It also misstates the problem in an all-too-common way—“cars crashing into buildings” takes responsibility away from the human beings who carelessly pilot the machines. With the exception of one Tesla, *people* have *driven* the cars into the buildings.
Suggestions for a Mac word processor w/ a one-time fee for writing letters, notices, agendas & the like w/ minimal formatting—headers, footers, simple jpegs. Apple's new "Creator's Studio" has driven me from Pages, which now constantly bugs me to pay a subscription. I don't want ads while I type.
February 8, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Suggestions for a Mac word processor w/ a one-time fee for writing letters, notices, agendas & the like w/ minimal formatting—headers, footers, simple jpegs. Apple's new "Creator's Studio" has driven me from Pages, which now constantly bugs me to pay a subscription. I don't want ads while I type.
“…there won’t be any evidence or testimony, it’s just three judges asking questions to the lawyers for about half an hour, and no, they won’t issue the decision…that comes anywhere from a couple of weeks to more than a year later…”
Without naming your job, tell me something you say over and over again at work.
Maybe top three:
“Please answer the question.”
“…because he’s an asshole.”
“When I tell you ‘this is going to move slowly,’ whatever you think ‘slowly’ means, double it, and add six months.’”
Maybe top three:
“Please answer the question.”
“…because he’s an asshole.”
“When I tell you ‘this is going to move slowly,’ whatever you think ‘slowly’ means, double it, and add six months.’”
Without naming your job, tell me something you say over and over again at work.
"Whether that would be legal and whether that would be wise are two different questions."
"The ideal number of times for your client to have seen your penis is zero."
"Whether that would be legal and whether that would be wise are two different questions."
"The ideal number of times for your client to have seen your penis is zero."
February 8, 2026 at 3:24 AM
“…there won’t be any evidence or testimony, it’s just three judges asking questions to the lawyers for about half an hour, and no, they won’t issue the decision…that comes anywhere from a couple of weeks to more than a year later…”
Does your support staff feel like a member of your team or an appliance for your team?
“Before your second mother, I had never been an actual member of a team before. Just an…”
Amena finished, “An appliance for a team.”
That was it. “Yes.”
Amena finished, “An appliance for a team.”
That was it. “Yes.”
February 7, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Does your support staff feel like a member of your team or an appliance for your team?
I’ve posted several Murderbot oral argument tips, but don’t try this one.
ART paused for 8.3 seconds for no reason I could think of except to make the humans think it wasn’t going to answer the question.
February 7, 2026 at 12:25 AM
I’ve posted several Murderbot oral argument tips, but don’t try this one.
Most Columbus Schools don’t have to make up calamity days yet, but some do due to scheduling quirks. one that is Columbus freakin’ Online Academy.
www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...
www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...
February 7, 2026 at 12:24 AM
Most Columbus Schools don’t have to make up calamity days yet, but some do due to scheduling quirks. one that is Columbus freakin’ Online Academy.
www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...
www.dispatch.com/story/news/e...
At times like this, lawyers also have to remember 1) to be honest with the court; and 2) once you’ve done your job of meaningfully communicating the court’s order, the client’s misconduct is the client’s misconduct. You should try to minimize the penalty, but the penalty is the client’s.
Read this whole astonishing document. it should be taught as an object lesson in what volunteering to assist a fascist government does to your mind, body, and soul.
February 4, 2026 at 10:02 PM
At times like this, lawyers also have to remember 1) to be honest with the court; and 2) once you’ve done your job of meaningfully communicating the court’s order, the client’s misconduct is the client’s misconduct. You should try to minimize the penalty, but the penalty is the client’s.
One rule any lawyer who’s a parent should follow—if there’s ever a conflict between kids and client, kids win. You have to withdraw.
Her talking about fearing her own family will be picked up… by her employer! Quit and escape.
February 4, 2026 at 9:56 PM
One rule any lawyer who’s a parent should follow—if there’s ever a conflict between kids and client, kids win. You have to withdraw.
A balanced NYT editorial that combines a discussion of how Trump could screw w/ elections, but also how we can defend lawful elections. Of course, one suggestion is to work the polls. Another is to be an official poll watcher, which gets you inside election locations & lets you report what you see.
Opinion | Trump Could Interfere With the Midterm Elections. You Can Help Defend Them.
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:03 AM
A balanced NYT editorial that combines a discussion of how Trump could screw w/ elections, but also how we can defend lawful elections. Of course, one suggestion is to work the polls. Another is to be an official poll watcher, which gets you inside election locations & lets you report what you see.
Reposted by Stephen Hardwick
Mercer Co New Jersey pays enough for a Lamy 2000.
For those on the fountain pen feed, serving as a poll worker (and getting the poll worker pay) is an excellent excuse to buy that pen you love but can’t justify to your partner.
Become a Poll Worker | U.S. Election Assistance Commission
The EAC encourages those interested in becoming poll workers at the polls on Election Day to learn more about what is required and how to sign up to work with your local election office.
www.eac.gov
February 4, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Mercer Co New Jersey pays enough for a Lamy 2000.
For those on the fountain pen feed, serving as a poll worker (and getting the poll worker pay) is an excellent excuse to buy that pen you love but can’t justify to your partner.
Become a Poll Worker | U.S. Election Assistance Commission
The EAC encourages those interested in becoming poll workers at the polls on Election Day to learn more about what is required and how to sign up to work with your local election office.
www.eac.gov
February 4, 2026 at 12:37 AM
For those on the fountain pen feed, serving as a poll worker (and getting the poll worker pay) is an excellent excuse to buy that pen you love but can’t justify to your partner.
There are a lot of crazy conspiracy theories, but this article by @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social gives the most realistic (I hope least unrealistic) description of how Trump can manipulate elections.
Also, one thing you can do to help keep elections legal & honest—sign up to serve as a poll worker.
Also, one thing you can do to help keep elections legal & honest—sign up to serve as a poll worker.
February 4, 2026 at 12:29 AM
There are a lot of crazy conspiracy theories, but this article by @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social gives the most realistic (I hope least unrealistic) description of how Trump can manipulate elections.
Also, one thing you can do to help keep elections legal & honest—sign up to serve as a poll worker.
Also, one thing you can do to help keep elections legal & honest—sign up to serve as a poll worker.
For the same reason that Indiana, which is virtually the same size as Massachusetts received nearly $349 million last year in farm subsidies, while Massachusetts got only about $9 million, 1/39th of Indiana’s boon.
February 3, 2026 at 10:03 PM
For the same reason that Indiana, which is virtually the same size as Massachusetts received nearly $349 million last year in farm subsidies, while Massachusetts got only about $9 million, 1/39th of Indiana’s boon.
The class that the City of Worthington showed after winning this case in the 6th Circuit should be the norm. It should not stand out. Alas, these days, it stands out.
(This is not a comment on the merits)
www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
(This is not a comment on the merits)
www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
February 3, 2026 at 11:59 AM
The class that the City of Worthington showed after winning this case in the 6th Circuit should be the norm. It should not stand out. Alas, these days, it stands out.
(This is not a comment on the merits)
www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
(This is not a comment on the merits)
www.dispatch.com/story/news/l...
“total loser, poor, pathetic, talentless, dope”
What a gift. Trevor Noah can put this on t-shirts, coffee mugs, social media profiles, whatever
What a gift. Trevor Noah can put this on t-shirts, coffee mugs, social media profiles, whatever
The greatest threat that free speech currently faces in this country is that the president doesn’t believe in it. www.mediamatters.org/donald-trump...
February 2, 2026 at 9:27 PM
“total loser, poor, pathetic, talentless, dope”
What a gift. Trevor Noah can put this on t-shirts, coffee mugs, social media profiles, whatever
What a gift. Trevor Noah can put this on t-shirts, coffee mugs, social media profiles, whatever
After a week of closures for snow and cold, the Columbus City Schools will be open tomorrow! I think they’d normally cancel at 3°, but it’s been a freakin’ week.
“CCSD: We’re back! CCS is in-session tomorrow, February 2, 2026. Please bundle up, stay warm and travel safely in the cold weather.”
“CCSD: We’re back! CCS is in-session tomorrow, February 2, 2026. Please bundle up, stay warm and travel safely in the cold weather.”
a bell with a sign that says back to school
Alt: a bell with a sign that says back to school
media.tenor.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:53 PM
After a week of closures for snow and cold, the Columbus City Schools will be open tomorrow! I think they’d normally cancel at 3°, but it’s been a freakin’ week.
“CCSD: We’re back! CCS is in-session tomorrow, February 2, 2026. Please bundle up, stay warm and travel safely in the cold weather.”
“CCSD: We’re back! CCS is in-session tomorrow, February 2, 2026. Please bundle up, stay warm and travel safely in the cold weather.”
Legal resistance is not futile
“Jessie Calmes, an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, said that she had filed at least 40 petitions since November. Every one had been granted…
“…That influx has led the Justice Department to pull some criminal prosecutors off regular duties…”
Good work, all who do this
“Jessie Calmes, an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, said that she had filed at least 40 petitions since November. Every one had been granted…
“…That influx has led the Justice Department to pull some criminal prosecutors off regular duties…”
Good work, all who do this
Federal Courts Undercut Trump’s Mass Deportation Campaign
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Legal resistance is not futile
“Jessie Calmes, an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, said that she had filed at least 40 petitions since November. Every one had been granted…
“…That influx has led the Justice Department to pull some criminal prosecutors off regular duties…”
Good work, all who do this
“Jessie Calmes, an immigration lawyer in Atlanta, said that she had filed at least 40 petitions since November. Every one had been granted…
“…That influx has led the Justice Department to pull some criminal prosecutors off regular duties…”
Good work, all who do this
My nominee for Bluesky Typo of the Day.
If you’re going to make a typo, make it a glorious one.
(I make more than my share of typos, so no shade for that at all.)
If you’re going to make a typo, make it a glorious one.
(I make more than my share of typos, so no shade for that at all.)
January 31, 2026 at 4:24 PM
My nominee for Bluesky Typo of the Day.
If you’re going to make a typo, make it a glorious one.
(I make more than my share of typos, so no shade for that at all.)
If you’re going to make a typo, make it a glorious one.
(I make more than my share of typos, so no shade for that at all.)
Lawyer’s angle—often, it’s in your client’s interest to act professionally with an opposing lawyer you think is a jerk.
He didn’t like me, I didn’t like him, and that was fine. It was absolutely fine.
January 29, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Lawyer’s angle—often, it’s in your client’s interest to act professionally with an opposing lawyer you think is a jerk.
If you serve as a poll worker, you can help make sure people follow rules that create MULTIPLE secure backups of the vote count, so if some corrupt person tries to mess with the election, honest officials will know how many votes each candidate got.
bsky.app/profile/nonf...
bsky.app/profile/nonf...
“Move to Seize Ballots Thrusts F.B.I. Into Trump’s Election Conspiracy Claim” electionlawblog.org?p=154032
"Move to Seize Ballots Thrusts F.B.I. Into Trump’s Election Conspiracy Claim" #ELB
NYT: In an unusual twist, the prosecutor listed on the warrant is not from Georgia, but the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, Thomas Albus. It is unclear what would connect p...
electionlawblog.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:42 PM
If you serve as a poll worker, you can help make sure people follow rules that create MULTIPLE secure backups of the vote count, so if some corrupt person tries to mess with the election, honest officials will know how many votes each candidate got.
bsky.app/profile/nonf...
bsky.app/profile/nonf...
Taps a very long sign: People should be very skeptical of praise from a lawyer about a judge they’ve clerked for or in front of whom they still practice. We are very, very unlikely to air our criticisms in public.
Clarence Thomas is apparently one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and famously knows the name of every single employee at the Supreme Court, down to the night janitors. His character is still bad! Not sure what “Alito is a kind in interpersonal situations” has to do with this.
January 29, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Taps a very long sign: People should be very skeptical of praise from a lawyer about a judge they’ve clerked for or in front of whom they still practice. We are very, very unlikely to air our criticisms in public.
Yay! Snow forts! We rarely get enough snow for them in Columbus. One downside (according to the warnings we got growing up as Gen-X Iowa kids)—the back of this snow mound extends into the street. They terrified us kids with stories of snow plows allegedly plowing these mounds & cutting kids in half.
January 29, 2026 at 2:53 AM
Yay! Snow forts! We rarely get enough snow for them in Columbus. One downside (according to the warnings we got growing up as Gen-X Iowa kids)—the back of this snow mound extends into the street. They terrified us kids with stories of snow plows allegedly plowing these mounds & cutting kids in half.
Once again, our bus system in Columbus comes through in bad weather.
SERVICE UPDATE FOR 1/29:
COTA will continue to waive fares on all services through the end of service on Thursday, Jan. 29, due to the cold advisory.
We continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as they become available. For immediate assistance call 614-228-1776.
COTA will continue to waive fares on all services through the end of service on Thursday, Jan. 29, due to the cold advisory.
We continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as they become available. For immediate assistance call 614-228-1776.
January 29, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Once again, our bus system in Columbus comes through in bad weather.