Bolts
@boltsmag.org
A publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change: Boltsmag.org
Reposted by Bolts
NEW: Dems easily flipped the sheriff's office in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, a big swing county in the Philly suburbs.
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:12 PM
NEW: Dems easily flipped the sheriff's office in Pennsylvania's Bucks County, a big swing county in the Philly suburbs.
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
So? The incumbent GOP sheriff had contracted with ICE. His Dem challenger promised to end the contract.
Now he wants other swing-state Dems to look at his victory as a lesson:
An advocate for conviction integrity units says that the fact that Cook County’s Conviction Integrity Unit hasn’t exonerated anyone in a year is a serious disappointment. “It makes no sense.”
Exonerations Grind to a Halt Under Chicago’s New Prosecutor
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke has weakened her office’s already broken system for freeing the innocent, even as allegations of coercion mount against a former Chicago detective.
boltsmag.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:00 AM
An advocate for conviction integrity units says that the fact that Cook County’s Conviction Integrity Unit hasn’t exonerated anyone in a year is a serious disappointment. “It makes no sense.”
Last Tuesday, New Yorkers rejected Proposition 6, a measure that could have paved the way to sync mayoral elections with the presidential race in a bid to boost turnout.
Five Ways Tuesday’s Results Will Affect Voting Rules and Democracy
From felony disenfranchisement and mail voting to mid-decade gerrymanders, Tuesday delivered verdicts on election law across these five states.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Last Tuesday, New Yorkers rejected Proposition 6, a measure that could have paved the way to sync mayoral elections with the presidential race in a bid to boost turnout.
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Support Bolts
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boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Do you want to support our work at Bolts? Become a $5 monthly donor today and we’ll immediately get $60 in matching funds!
That’s right: The NewsMatch program, which launched on November 1, is multiplying all new monthly subscriptions by 12 right now.
That’s right: The NewsMatch program, which launched on November 1, is multiplying all new monthly subscriptions by 12 right now.
Reposted by Bolts
A Republican sheriff in a swing county that Trump won by 0.1% signed a contract to help ICE, then lost last week by 11.
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE - Bolts
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:20 PM
A Republican sheriff in a swing county that Trump won by 0.1% signed a contract to help ICE, then lost last week by 11.
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
New by me in @boltsmag.org: boltsmag.org/sheriff-of-b...
NEW in Bolts: A populous, swing county in Pennsylvania replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
Voters Ousted This Pennsylvania Sheriff After He Signed Up to Collaborate With ICE
A populous, swing county replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM
NEW in Bolts: A populous, swing county in Pennsylvania replaced its GOP sheriff on Tuesday after months of controversy over his joining ICE’s 287(g) program. The Democratic winner promises he’ll end the contract.
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
November 10, 2025 at 6:30 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.
An Australian scholar explains the idea that drove Australia to adopt compulsory voting: "You would know that the government that was elected had the support of the majority of voters in the electorate—not just the majority of the people who turned up."
“An Egalitarian Pressure”: Australia Has Been Requiring People to Vote for 100 Years
As Australia compels voters to show up at the polls this weekend, a scholar lays out the genesis of
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
An Australian scholar explains the idea that drove Australia to adopt compulsory voting: "You would know that the government that was elected had the support of the majority of voters in the electorate—not just the majority of the people who turned up."
Across the country, 31 states have requirements that police record interrogations, though many only require recordings in certain cases. Hawaii has become the ninth state to impose this requirement regardless of the crime someone is suspected of.
Hawaii Supreme Court Expands Rights of Defendants, and Once Again Rebukes SCOTUS
The justices ruled that Hawaii’s constitution requires police to record interrogations. And they vowed to protect due process for Hawaii residents—unlike, they said, the Roberts Court.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Across the country, 31 states have requirements that police record interrogations, though many only require recordings in certain cases. Hawaii has become the ninth state to impose this requirement regardless of the crime someone is suspected of.
Barring any unexpected retirements, Democrats will enjoy a 5-2 majority on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court until the next retention elections, which are slated for 2027.
Democrats Retain Control of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court with Three-Seat Sweep
The GOP mounted an unusual push to oust three supreme court justices and erase Democrats’ majority on the court. All three prevailed easily in Tuesday’s retention elections.
boltsmag.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Barring any unexpected retirements, Democrats will enjoy a 5-2 majority on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court until the next retention elections, which are slated for 2027.
Sheriffs nationwide have enormous control over jail voting access, with many restricting mail and voter guides, making it nearly impossible for incarcerated people to vote. A law in Colorado removed that discretion—and turnout has soared.
Jail Voting Soars in Colorado After State Mandates Polling Places in County Lockups
Local officials had claimed they were already giving detained people ballot access, but the first-in-the-nation mandate forced their hands and increased turnout across the state.
boltsmag.org
November 9, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Sheriffs nationwide have enormous control over jail voting access, with many restricting mail and voter guides, making it nearly impossible for incarcerated people to vote. A law in Colorado removed that discretion—and turnout has soared.
Virginia's Democratic Senate Majority Leader told Bolts after Tuesday's elections that his party will move forward with redistricting in early 2026, saying, “I don’t see many Republican states pumping the brakes, because they all seem to be falling in line behind their dear leader.”
Five Ways Tuesday’s Results Will Affect Voting Rules and Democracy - Bolts
From felony disenfranchisement and mail-voting to mid-decade gerrymanders, Tuesday delivered verdicts on election law across these five states.
boltsmag.org
November 9, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Virginia's Democratic Senate Majority Leader told Bolts after Tuesday's elections that his party will move forward with redistricting in early 2026, saying, “I don’t see many Republican states pumping the brakes, because they all seem to be falling in line behind their dear leader.”
Most states have abolished sentences of life without parole for people under 18. In North Carolina, which hasn’t, second chances for juvenile lifers run through the governor’s office. Phillip Smith, who is incarcerated in the state, reports:
In North Carolina, Juvenile Lifers See a Pathway to Freedom
After the state’s previous governor granted clemency to people sentenced to life in prison as minors, others with juvenile life sentences are hoping the new administration also believes in second chances.
boltsmag.org
November 9, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Most states have abolished sentences of life without parole for people under 18. In North Carolina, which hasn’t, second chances for juvenile lifers run through the governor’s office. Phillip Smith, who is incarcerated in the state, reports:
Democrat Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey governorship over Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who campaigned on partnering with ICE. Still, immigration advocates remain uncertain about the future of a state policy that limits local cooperation with ICE.
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
November 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Democrat Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey governorship over Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who campaigned on partnering with ICE. Still, immigration advocates remain uncertain about the future of a state policy that limits local cooperation with ICE.
“I can’t think of a more important time to have a fully functioning seven-person Supreme Court than now, heading into the 2026 midterms,” says a Pennsylvania attorney and the founder of a watchdog organization against court corruption.
Democrats Retain Control of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court with Three-Seat Sweep
The GOP mounted an unusual push to oust three supreme court justices and erase Democrats’ majority on the court. All three prevailed easily in Tuesday’s retention elections.
boltsmag.org
November 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
“I can’t think of a more important time to have a fully functioning seven-person Supreme Court than now, heading into the 2026 midterms,” says a Pennsylvania attorney and the founder of a watchdog organization against court corruption.
“What they’re actually doing is making quality of life that much more fearful for a lot of communities that have been marginalized,” says one policy advocate about NYPD issuing far more civil summonses in recent years.
Under Eric Adams, the NYPD Sharply Increases Tickets for Low-Level Infractions
New York City’s outgoing mayor has directed police to issue more civil summonses, sparking concerns the practice is undermining a city reform. Will the next mayor take a different path?
boltsmag.org
November 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
“What they’re actually doing is making quality of life that much more fearful for a lot of communities that have been marginalized,” says one policy advocate about NYPD issuing far more civil summonses in recent years.
Shannon McChristian’s opposition to a new prison in her Arkansas community has changed her thoughts on incarceration generally. “As I’ve come to know more and more, I’ve just been horrified about our entire prison system.”
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
November 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Shannon McChristian’s opposition to a new prison in her Arkansas community has changed her thoughts on incarceration generally. “As I’ve come to know more and more, I’ve just been horrified about our entire prison system.”
Democrat Mikie Sherrill, the newly elected governor of New Jersey, declined to say during the campaign how she’d treat an existing directive that restricts local cooperation with ICE.
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
November 8, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Democrat Mikie Sherrill, the newly elected governor of New Jersey, declined to say during the campaign how she’d treat an existing directive that restricts local cooperation with ICE.
A suite of Republican-led states have already revamped their congressional maps this year to give the GOP an advantage. On Tuesday, Democratic efforts to counter with gerrymanders of their own took major steps forward in California and Virginia.
Five Ways Tuesday’s Results Will Affect Voting Rules and Democracy
From felony disenfranchisement and mail voting to mid-decade gerrymanders, Tuesday delivered verdicts on election law across these five states.
boltsmag.org
November 8, 2025 at 9:30 PM
A suite of Republican-led states have already revamped their congressional maps this year to give the GOP an advantage. On Tuesday, Democratic efforts to counter with gerrymanders of their own took major steps forward in California and Virginia.
Incarcerated writer Kwaneta Harris says solitary confinement keeps no one safe. “The answer isn’t throwing them in a concrete box for years; it’s trauma-informed care, therapeutic communities, meditation programs, restorative justice practices.”
“Designed to Break You:” Two Incarcerated Writers on the Heavy Toll of Solitary Confinement
The authors of a new book on solitary answer your questions about their experiences with isolation and the movement to end the tortuous practice.
boltsmag.org
November 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Incarcerated writer Kwaneta Harris says solitary confinement keeps no one safe. “The answer isn’t throwing them in a concrete box for years; it’s trauma-informed care, therapeutic communities, meditation programs, restorative justice practices.”
Wyoming’s new reform mirrors a law Kansas adopted in 2011 to require proof of citizenship. That law was struck down in 2018, but in the interim, Kansas blocked roughly 30,000 citizens from registering to vote because they lacked the proper paperwork.
Wyoming Is Now Requiring Would-be Voters to Document Their Citizenship
The rules were pushed by Wyoming’s ultraconservative secretary of state despite no pattern of noncitizen voting. A lawsuit warns it risks tripping up eligible citizens who wish to register.
boltsmag.org
November 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Wyoming’s new reform mirrors a law Kansas adopted in 2011 to require proof of citizenship. That law was struck down in 2018, but in the interim, Kansas blocked roughly 30,000 citizens from registering to vote because they lacked the proper paperwork.
In a typical election cycle, judicial retention elections may not have drawn much attention, but Republicans this year mounted a well-funded campaign to vote against three Democratic supreme court justices. All three won on Tuesday.
Democrats Retain Control of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court with Three-Seat Sweep
The GOP mounted an unusual push to oust three supreme court justices and erase Democrats’ majority on the court. All three prevailed easily in Tuesday’s retention elections.
boltsmag.org
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
In a typical election cycle, judicial retention elections may not have drawn much attention, but Republicans this year mounted a well-funded campaign to vote against three Democratic supreme court justices. All three won on Tuesday.
ICE has arrested more than 3,000 people in New Jersey since President Trump took office for a second term. Advocates are pushing lawmakers to enshrine into law a directive that limits cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement.
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
November 8, 2025 at 3:30 PM
ICE has arrested more than 3,000 people in New Jersey since President Trump took office for a second term. Advocates are pushing lawmakers to enshrine into law a directive that limits cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement.
In the shadow of the Democratic Party’s big wins on Tuesday were a series of state and local elections that carried high stakes for election law and voting rights.
We walk you through what happened:
We walk you through what happened:
Five Ways Tuesday’s Results Will Affect Voting Rules and Democracy
From felony disenfranchisement and mail voting to mid-decade gerrymanders, Tuesday delivered verdicts on election law across these five states.
boltsmag.org
November 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
In the shadow of the Democratic Party’s big wins on Tuesday were a series of state and local elections that carried high stakes for election law and voting rights.
We walk you through what happened:
We walk you through what happened:
“State constitutionalism makes it easy to consider Roberts Court jurisprudence white noise,” Hawaii Justice Todd Eddins wrote in a recent ruling that assailed the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority.
Hawaii Supreme Court Expands Rights of Defendants, and Once Again Rebukes SCOTUS
The justices ruled that Hawaii’s constitution requires police to record interrogations. And they vowed to protect due process for Hawaii residents—unlike, they said, the Roberts Court.
boltsmag.org
November 8, 2025 at 1:00 AM
“State constitutionalism makes it easy to consider Roberts Court jurisprudence white noise,” Hawaii Justice Todd Eddins wrote in a recent ruling that assailed the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority.