AGP Executive Report

U.S. Voting Rights Fight: A D.C. Circuit panel backed the Trump administration’s election integrity executive order, rejecting a Democratic challenge as premature while the order pushes stronger citizenship checks and mail-ballot procedures. Election Administration: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill says 4,500 noncitizen registrations will be removed after a DMV software error, while Florida election officials in Lee County test equipment and pull a faulty tabulator from service. Midterm Politics & Rules: Michigan signed a two-year lobbying cooling-off law for former officials, and Maine Democrats push back on a DNC proposal that could limit ranked-choice voting in 2028 primaries. Global Election Tensions: Peru’s Keiko Fujimori was sworn in after a narrow win, promising a tougher security crackdown; in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, officials accuse the JAAC of trying to sabotage elections amid violence. Campaign Trail: Nigeria’s APP attacks Tinubu’s 2027 re-election as worsening hardship, while Nigeria’s INEC faces calls for transparent Osun election logistics. Local Races: Rockford, Illinois, gears up for a 2027 special mayoral election as State Rep. Maurice West announces his run.

Election Administration (Malaysia): Negeri Sembilan’s 16th state election early voting for security forces is underway, with 38 centres opening at 8am and staggered closures (18 at noon, two at 2pm, the rest at 5pm). By 1pm, turnout hit 80.79% (13,303 early voters), including military and police personnel plus spouses, as the EC targets 72–75% overall turnout and at least 90% among early voters. Election Law (US): The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to let a mail-voting tightening order and federal voter-eligibility lists take effect before the midterms, arguing it’s needed for election integrity; lower courts have blocked it. Congress & Voting Bill (US): Trump and Sen. Mike Lee urge Congress to cancel its August recess to pass the SAVE America Act, while GOP leaders debate Senate timing. AJK Polls (Pakistan-administered Kashmir): First-phase Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative elections saw PML-N lead in Mirpur Division with unofficial results showing PML-N winning most seats ahead of further counting, amid reports of violence and ballot-box incidents. Local Elections (US): In NW Iowa, early voting and filing deadlines are shaping November city/board races, with some Republicans reportedly considering Democrats in tight contests.

Haiti Election Calendar: Haiti’s electoral council set the first presidential and legislative vote for Dec. 13, with a Feb. 21, 2027 runoff and results due March 7—but deadlines hinge on security and funding. Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Polls: Voting in PoK’s first phase has been marred by violence and rigging allegations, with security forces cracking down as the JAAC long march resumes; unofficial AJK by-election results show PPP and PML-N in tight contests. Malaysia Negeri Sembilan: Early voting for the Aug. 1 state election runs with 22,339 military/police voters casting ballots; the palace also urged parties to avoid 3R issues (race, religion, royalty). US Voting Fight: A federal appeals court upheld an injunction blocking Trump’s mail-in voting restrictions, while Arizona’s Prop 144 can bundle multiple election changes into one ballot. Michigan Election Protection: AG Dana Nessel launched an election protection webpage for voters and law enforcement ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. US Congress Races: Georgia’s 13th District special election is set for Tuesday, with a possible runoff Aug. 25.

Election Administration & Access: Michigan’s early in-person voting for the August primary is underway across multiple sites as voters head into a nine-day window. Local Poll Security: Nigeria’s Osun election officials say hoodlums attacked INEC staff and carted away PVCs, prompting a police investigation and calls for calm. AJK Polls Under Scrutiny: Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s first phase in Mirpur Division began with 1.4m voters, heavy deployment, and immediate rigging allegations after two presiding officers were arrested over polling-bag irregularities. Campaign Rules & Integrity: South Korea’s court convicted ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol of election law violations tied to false statements, with the People Power Party facing a potential 39.7b won repayment if upheld. Money in Politics: A new analysis says billionaire families poured $433m into the 2026 midterms, with about 80% going to Republicans. Political Speech & Social Harmony: Malaysia’s leaders urged moderation during election season, warning against exploiting race and religion for votes. Royal Neutrality: Negeri Sembilan’s palace told parties not to involve the royal institution in state election campaigns. Voter Education: South Sudan launched a nationwide voter education drive ahead of its December 2026 general election. Celebrity Politics Watch: Tamil actor Dhanush’s fan event welfare message sparked fresh speculation about a possible political entry.

U.S. Mail-Voting Fight: A federal appeals court upheld a block on Trump’s executive order tightening mail-in voting, rejecting the administration’s bid to pause lower-court injunctions as states warned of chaos ahead of November. West Bank Tensions: A deadly Tell attack killed an IDF commander and a security squad member, sparking fears of escalation amid reports of “revenge attacks” and political pressure to legalize more settlement outposts. Nigeria Security Push: President Tinubu approved expanding the Nigerian Army from 8 to 12 divisions and adding 28,000 personnel, linking it to decentralizing policing as analysts warn oversight and corruption could blunt security gains. Kenya Election Mood: Ruto promised peace and stability for next year’s vote while reshuffling his communications team, as critics question the new spokesman’s past defense of police brutality. India Youth Politics: Gen Z is driving political debate via Instagram after NEET leak protests, while opposition leaders press for further resignations and BJP counters that leaks are not unique to one party. Canada By-elections: Elections Canada set Aug. 31 contests in Beaches–East York, Chicoutimi–Le Fjord, and North Vancouver–Capilano.

Election Integrity & Courts (US): A federal appeals court blocked key parts of Trump’s mail-voting overhaul in nearly two dozen states, keeping an injunction in place and dealing another blow to the administration’s midterm plans. Overseas Voting Debate (South Korea): South Korea’s opposition warned that electronic voting for overseas Koreans could “take away” voters’ rights, arguing software manipulation risks undermine trust. Campaign Violence (Zambia): Police arrested 27 people after clashes tied to election roadshows in Copperbelt and Central Province, with suspects charged over unlawful procession and disorderly conduct. Local Elections Watch (Malaysia): Negeri Sembilan police opened 14 investigation papers into election offences during the campaign period, while early voting is set to begin July 28 ahead of Aug. 1 polling. Governance vs Politics (Philippines): A party-list group urged President Marcos’s SONA to focus on results and reforms—“less politics, more governance”—as the country heads toward the next election cycle. Party Politics (South Africa): Allegations in the MKP claim Jacob Zuma has taken over candidate nominations for local elections, sparking internal dispute over procedures. Development Messaging (Kenya): Energy minister Wandayi urged Nyanza voters to avoid “trial-and-error” politics and back Ruto’s development agenda. Election Administration (India): Madras High Court dismissed an election petition, ruling only voters/candidates from the same constituency can file challenges.

Election Security & Administration: Illinois election officials say noncitizen voting is rare (10 cases in 44 years) as the DOJ seeks access to unredacted voter-roll data, while Michigan kicks off statewide early in-person voting for its August primary with ID rules and site listings. Campaign Integrity & Legal Pressure: Trump’s clean-energy grant cancellations were acknowledged in court documents as “based solely on” the political identity of states, and election officials in Negeri Sembilan opened 11 investigation papers over alleged election offences ahead of Aug 1 polling. Local Voting Access: Metro’s board advanced a plan to add a dedicated voting seat for everyday transit riders, and Jackson-Madison County reported early voting totals and ID requirements. Election Violence & Disputes: Assin Central NDC branch elections in Ghana turned violent after alleged irregularities, with injuries reported. Asia-Pacific Poll Prep: The Philippines deployed troops to help secure BARMM parliamentary elections in September, while AJK’s election commission warned against using new development schemes during the campaign. Youth & Messaging: Gen Z political engagement is rising in Minnesota caucuses and India’s Instagram-driven campaigns, alongside concerns about AI-generated election ads.

Election Security & Operations: The Philippine Army is sending the 28th Infantry Battalion to support BARMM parliamentary elections in September, with commanders stressing troops must stay politically nonpartisan. Election Integrity & Misinformation: Nigeria’s Osun governorship race faces warnings from INEC, police and NOA-linked stakeholders about misinformation and hate speech that could spark violence. Somalia Electoral Reform: Abdirahman Abdishakur urges an independent election management body agreed by all sides, while Somali civil society (SONSA) proposes a transitional constituency-based multiparty model to break the deadlock. Nigeria’s 2027 Vote Confidence: INEC chair Prof. Joash Amupitan tells stakeholders Nigerians’ votes will count in 2027 and outlines the timetable. Local Election Readiness: South Africa’s Electoral Commission will brief media on the final voter registration weekend ahead of November local government elections. Campaign & Governance Messaging: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim and Negeri Sembilan BN launch election platforms focused on unity, anti-corruption, and development as early voting approaches. Political Pressure & Protest: India’s UP government monitors Gen Z protests over exam issues, fearing spillover into 2027 politics.

Election Integrity & Voting Access (US): Democrats sued the Wisconsin Elections Commission over absentee ballot rules that block voters from changing their ballots after a candidate drops out, as the dispute grows while thousands of absentee ballots are already cast. Federal Pressure on Elections (US): A Trump administration push to tighten voting rules is drawing backlash, with states and critics warning it could depress turnout and set up federal interference. Mail Voting Rules (Florida): Florida voters are reminded that vote-by-mail requests must be renewed every two years, and ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Aug. 18 for the Aug. 18 primary. Early Voting Rollouts (US): Hillsborough County announced early voting runs Aug. 3–16 with 27 sites, while Minnesota’s Wright County opened early in-person voting at Monticello City Hall and the Wright County Government Center. Local Ballot Disputes (Wisconsin): The Center for Election Confidence praised WEC and Green Bay for placing the city clerk on leave amid a state investigation into absentee ballot mishandling, including duplicate ballot errors. Campaign & Party Mobilization (US): Democrats launched a “weekend of action” with hundreds of events across battleground states as November nears. Political Prisoner Transfers (Philippines): A political prisoners support group urged DOJ intervention to stop a planned mass relocation from New Bilibid Prison, calling it disruptive and unjust. Social Media & Kids (France/EU): France’s new law bans social media for under-15s starting Sept. 1, with EU-wide follow-on proposals expected. Ballot Measures (San Francisco): Voters will again decide the Great Highway question in November 2026, with a measure qualifying after 15,000+ signatures. Election Administration & Disputes (Nigeria): Tension rose in Port Harcourt’s NBA branch election over claims the voters’ register wasn’t published, prompting calls to suspend the vote.

Election Access & Rules: Armenia’s president signed constitutional election changes making actual residency in-country a requirement to vote, with citizens abroad needing at least 366 days in Armenia over the prior two years, while opponents plan a constitutional challenge. Voting Rights in Custody: British Columbia rights groups urged election authorities to let eligible voters in custody vote via vote-by-mail or special voting, warning that incarceration shouldn’t make voting “practically impossible.” Election Integrity & Ballot Confusion: In Tennessee’s Shelby County, the DA warned voters about “deceptive” sample ballots and handouts that can look official but are tied to outside endorsements. Political Violence & Accountability: The Philippines’ PNP said it arrested two suspects in the killing of political vlogger Alicia “Mima Alicia” Lipata, after CCTV-led identification and a follow-up operation. Campaigning & Media: Kazakhstan’s election commission outlined rules for televised inter-party debates ahead of Qurultay elections and reported a survey showing 70.3% of citizens plan to vote. Democracy Under Pressure: Nicaragua moved to eliminate elections as Ortega tightens control, with lawmakers advancing constitutional changes to formalize the shift. Political Interference in Public Service: Nepal’s finance minister pledged to end political interference in appointments and transfers, saying merit will guide civil service decisions. US Voting Legislation Fight: The House advanced a budget framework that pressures states to adopt voting restrictions tied to the SAVE America Act, while the White House escalated pressure on Senate leaders to pass it before recess.

South China Sea Diplomacy: Philippines DFA chief Ma. Theresa Lazaro says ASEAN and China have built momentum toward a long-awaited South China Sea Code of Conduct, with monthly talks since January and growing consensus on “self-restraint,” aiming to finish negotiations by year-end. Local Election Stakes (US): Lodi City Councilwoman Lisa Craig-Hensley says her first term is “unfinished work” as she files for re-election, while in Safford/Thatcher late early ballots shift totals but not winners. Election Administration Turmoil (US): North Carolina’s Anson County Board of Elections director Neva Helms resigns amid workplace complaints and an incident now under state review. Voter Access & Rules (US): Wisconsin Democrats sue to force absentee ballot “revotes” if a preferred candidate drops out, as early voting ramps up for the Aug. 11 primary. Campaign Messaging & Integrity (US): A Tennessee candidate’s “donut for voting” post is flagged as potentially illegal under state election law. Nicaragua Democracy Crackdown: Ortega’s regime moves to end competitive presidential elections, with critics warning it formalizes a de facto dictatorship. Malaysia State Polls: BN will unveil its Negeri Sembilan election manifesto ahead of early voting July 28 and polling Aug. 1, as PH pushes back on claims of “exclusive” Malay-Muslim representation. New Jersey Noncitizen Voting Fallout: NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill faces pushback as vendor IDEMIA disputes her account of how noncitizens landed on voter rolls.

Election Integrity & Security: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin hit back at President Trump’s 2020 election denialism, warning it’s aimed at sowing doubt ahead of 2026 and 2028 and attacking the SAVE America Act’s push to make voting harder. Voting Rights & Redistricting: Raphael Warnock urged Congress to investigate whether states redraw congressional maps after the Louisiana v. Callais ruling illegally discriminated against Black voters. Election Administration: Olmsted County, Minnesota, detailed how it verifies every ballot through multiple counts and bipartisan oversight to protect accuracy and voter privacy. Election Law & Noncitizen Voting: U.S. election-law experts questioned a federal threat of jail for officials who knowingly keep noncitizens on voter rolls, since elections are run by states. Campaign Rules & Enforcement: Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan police opened multiple election-offence investigations and approved hundreds of political ceramah permits, with monitoring and enforcement promised. Local Cost-of-Living Politics: In Gilbert, Arizona, water-rate hikes drove voter focus as three incumbents trailed in the town council race. Osun, Nigeria (Integrity Risk): Yiaga Africa warned of voter inducement ahead of Osun’s August governorship election, while the Adeleke campaign accused the APC of violence. Nicaragua: Ortega’s government moved to abolish elections, escalating international condemnation.

Democracy Under Pressure (Nicaragua): Nicaragua’s congress moved to abolish elections following President Daniel Ortega’s order, drawing fresh international criticism and raising fears of further democratic rollback. UN Scrutiny: UN chief Antonio Guterres warned of the “erosion of civic and political space,” stressing citizens’ right to vote freely and safely. Election Integrity Fight (U.S.): Georgia’s top election lawyer defended the state’s citizenship verification after DOJ threats to prosecute officials over possible noncitizen voting, while Kansas elections chief Scott Schwab launched a legal push to end mail-ballot grace periods despite court action. Midterms Money & Data (U.S.): Kalshi rolled out a Midterms Hub letting users track market expectations and campaign finance flows for Senate, House, and governor races. Local Campaigns (Malaysia): In Negeri Sembilan, Pakatan Harapan leaders urged voters to reject “marriage-divorce” party-hopping and backed candidates focused on flood control and cleaner local infrastructure. Political Culture (India): India’s “cockroach” protest is reshaping opposition strategy debates, with parties split over whether to join or risk being sidelined.

Election Administration & Access: Kenya’s push to include Persons with Disabilities in voting is showing progress on voter registration and accessible civic education, but persistent barriers still limit meaningful representation. US Primaries & Ballot Integrity: Arizona’s key governor and congressional primaries are over, with Andy Biggs winning the GOP governor nod and new matchups set for November; in Spokane County, thousands of voters got incorrect ballots and will receive replacement packets. Local Elections Watch: Cave Creek’s Town Council race shows early leads for incumbent Cynthia Driskell, while Campbell County early voting turnout is down in the first days. Campaigns, Courts & Political Rights: Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan election campaign activity is being monitored by police, and an independent candidate faces court over a social media post. Democracy Under Pressure: Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega says there will be no more elections, drawing condemnation from US senators; Libya’s Misrata forum rejects power-sharing deals and urges urgent nationwide elections. Election Security & Rules: Alaska’s citizen-only voting initiative is certified for the November ballot, and Michigan’s August primary voting guide highlights registration and early voting timelines. Political Violence Claims: Osun’s opposition AAC alleges politically enabled violence ahead of Nigeria’s August 15 governorship election.

Nicaragua Elections Ban: President Daniel Ortega vowed the country will “never again” hold elections, prompting sharp condemnation from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and calls to isolate Managua. US Election Integrity Fight: New Jersey’s governor says a Motor Vehicle Commission software error let nearly 400 noncitizens register and a few hundred vote, while the League of Women Voters denounced Trump’s election-security claims as false and election-undermining. Arizona Primary Count: Arizona’s 2026 primary vote count continues with live ballot-cure and tabulation feeds as officials push transparency during ongoing counting. Election Administration & Roll Accuracy: North Carolina declined to release names of alleged dead voters on rolls, citing possible investigations, and a Jefferson County board discussed precinct-assignment mapping issues affecting thousands of addresses. Campaigns & Local Voting: Barisan Nasional leaders in Negeri Sembilan urged tighter campaign machinery ahead of early voting July 28 and polling Aug. 1; in Nebraska, Lincoln petition backers submitted signatures to restructure city elections. Global Politics & Voting Rights: Israel election coverage highlights parties’ stances on Arab voter inclusion and new proposals to bar criminal defendants from serving as prime minister.

Election Security & Voting Access (US): Federal leaders pushed election security ahead of 2026, tying it to Trump’s push for the SAVE Act and renewed citizenship-proof demands, while Arizona guidance reminded voters what to do if they still haven’t voted—using ID rules, vote centers, and drop-off options for late-returned ballots. Political Prisoner Debate (Philippines): A support group rejected Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s “political prisoner” label for jailed figures Rodante Marcoleta, Jinggoy Estrada and Mike Defensor, arguing the term can’t be used to “sanitize corruption.” Nicaragua’s Election Shutdown: Daniel Ortega declared there will be “no more elections,” aiming to block opposition challenges and “build a wall” against “coup plotters.” Electoral Reform Talks (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka’s election commission submitted proposals to boost women and youth representation in provincial councils without changing proportional representation rules. Women/Youth Representation (Moldova): Maia Sandu met Gagauzia officials to align regional election rules after a constitutional court ruling, moving toward a uniform proportional system. Local Elections & Turnout (US/UK/Elsewhere): Early voting turnout stayed low in one US county; Australia saw a live-TV “sit down” outburst during election-related debate; and New Zealand’s Wairarapa by-election opened with candidates pitching flood protection, transport, rates and rivers. Campaign Finance & Ads (US): A report on election advertising spending limits highlighted incentives to spend before regulated periods begin, while Warren questioned Capital One ties after Trump-linked account closures. Protest Politics (India): NEET-UG leak protests continued as Modi urged parties not to politicize the issue and Vir Das backed students after police crackdowns. Party Strategy (South Africa): With under 100 days to local elections, the ANC signaled a shift by naming Johannesburg mayoral candidates early to repair its brand.