Spain’s government faces no-confidence vote brought by Vox
March 21, 2023 GMTBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spain’s Parliament set aside the business of lawmaking on Tuesday to hold a marathon debate over a no-confidence motion against the government, which was brought by the nation’s far-right Vox party and is expected to fail.
French government survives no-confidence votes over pensions
March 21, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Parliament adopted a divisive pension bill Monday raising the retirement age in France from 62 to 64, after lawmakers in the lower chamber rejected two no-confidence votes against the government.
Kansas appeals court reinstates lawsuit over voting law
March 17, 2023 GMTThe Kansas Court of Appeals on Friday reinstated a lawsuit that challenged provisions of a voting law enacted in 2021 that opponents argue is unconstitutional and limits voting rights.
The lawsuit was filed in 2021 by Loud Light, the League of Women Voters of Kansas, the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center and the Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice.
Populist Farmer Citizen Movement wins big in Dutch election
March 16, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A new powerhouse of Dutch right-wing populism took political center stage Thursday after winning its first provincial elections, a victory that was seen as a resounding rebuke to Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling four-party coalition.
Garcetti confirmed as India ambassador after 20-month fight
March 15, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti won confirmation Wednesday from a divided Senate as the nation’s next ambassador to India, more than a year and a half after he was first nominated by President Joe Biden and after weathering doubts about his truthfulness in a sexual harassment scandal involving a City Hall adviser.
Lake appeals loss in governor’s race to state Supreme Court
March 2, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Kari Lake, the Republican who lost the Arizona governor’s race to Democrat Katie Hobbs, has asked the state Supreme Court to review her challenge of election results that has so far been rejected by the courts.
Arkansas House panel endorses Sanders’ education overhaul
March 2, 2023 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas House panel on Wednesday endorsed Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' plan to overhaul the state's education system and create a voucher program directing public money toward private schooling.
Lawmakers hold public hearing on competing voter ID bills
March 1, 2023 GMTLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers held a public hearing Wednesday on competing bills to address ways to enact a voter ID requirement approved by voters last November.
Anti-abortion allies change tactics after post-Roe defeats
March 1, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republicans and their anti-abortion allies, who suffered a series of defeats in ballot questions in states across the political spectrum last year, are changing tactics as new legislative sessions and the new election season start.
Residency fights could snare many Georgia voters under bill
March 1, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Republicans are considering a new wave of election legislation that could make it easier for residency challenges to knock thousands of people from the voter rolls and ban ballot drop boxes, again catering to those who still deny President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, two years after a GOP-driven election law overhaul in the politically competitive state was signed amid widespread outcry.
Mississippi could renew initiatives but ban them on abortion
March 1, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi residents might get back the ability to enact public policy through statewide ballot initiatives, but people would be banned from using the process to change abortion laws.
West Virginia ‘religious freedom’ bill headed to governor
March 1, 2023 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia bill described by supporters as a tool to protect religious freedom and labeled a “license to discriminate” by LGBTQ rights advocates is headed to the desk of Republican Gov.
S. Carolina House OKs referendum on state aid for private ed
February 28, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House moved to allow the repeal of a constitutional prohibition on funding private schools with public dollars as a Republican-backed voucher plan advances in the General Assembly.
Tensions rise in Nigeria as opposition demands new vote
February 28, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's electoral commission released results late into the night Tuesday, while the country's main opposition candidates already had demanded a re-vote amid an early lead for the ruling party.
Arizona county board votes to give recorder election duties
February 28, 2023 GMTBISBEE, Ariz. (AP) — A rural Arizona county board that was embroiled last year in voting machine conspiracies voted Tuesday to give responsibility for elections through 2024 to the county's elected Republican recorder, a move the state attorney general's office suggested may be illegal.
McClinton voted Pa. speaker; first Black woman to win post
February 28, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Philadelphia state Rep. Joanna McClinton on Tuesday became the first woman to serve as speaker of the Pennsylvania House, ascending to the chamber's top position on the strength of a fresh one-vote Democratic majority.
Ugandan lawmaker introduces new anti-LGBTQ legislation
February 28, 2023 GMTKAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A Ugandan lawmaker on Tuesday introduced draft legislation that he said seeks to prohibit homosexuality in the East African country, voicing widespread anti-gay sentiment that has peaked in recent days.
Denmark defies critics, nixes holiday to boost army spending
February 28, 2023 GMTCOPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Danish lawmakers on Tuesday voted to abolish a springtime public holiday in order to use the savings and boost defense spending, despite harsh criticism from the opposition, trade unions and the country’s bishops.
Bill that could let Buckhead split from Atlanta advances
February 27, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia Senate committee has approved two bills that could allow the Buckhead neighborhood to secede from the city of Atlanta, the first time that an issue freighted with fears about crime and racial and economic division has moved forward in the General Assembly.
Nigeria opposition rejects early vote lead for ruling party
February 27, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Tensions rose Monday during the counting of Nigeria's hotly contested presidential election when representatives from the parties of the two main opposition candidates walked out in anger from the center where state-by-state results were being announced.
Indiana bill for switch to partisan school boards stalls
February 27, 2023 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A new push by Republican Indiana lawmakers to have local school board candidates run with political party affiliations has stalled for this year's legislative session, as they did not advance the proposal before a Monday deadline.
Chicago: What to expect on election night
February 27, 2023 GMTChicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot faces eight challengers in the city's elections on Tuesday, a tough reelection campaign for an incumbent who made history as the first Black woman and first openly gay person to serve in the role.
Montenegro ends court stalemate that has threatened EU bid
February 27, 2023 GMTPODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro's lawmakers on Monday elected all but one of the judges of the country's top court, ending a stalemate that has threatened to halt the Balkan nation's European Union membership bid.
Election results only announced for 1 of Nigeria’s 36 states
February 26, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s election commission announced the first results late Sunday from the country's closely watched presidential election, but it could days before a winner is declared.
The ruling All Progressives Congress party's candidate, Bola Tinubu, secured the most votes in southwest Nigeria's Ekiti state, the commission said at the national collation center in the capital, Abuja.
After delays, Nigerians keep watch for key vote’s outcome
February 25, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Some frustrated Nigerians cast their ballots with flashlights while others stood watch at their polling stations as counting got under way late Saturday amid fears of vote tampering after a day of delays in Africa's most populous nation.
Nigeria prepares for crucial presidential vote Saturday
February 24, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Officials rushed to prepare polling stations Friday, on the eve of Nigeria’s crucial election, amid new concerns of vote buying after police said one lawmaker was arrested with nearly $500,000 in cash and a distribution list.
Child sex abuse lawsuit window again gets Pa. lawmakers’ OK
February 24, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Victims would be able to sue over otherwise outdated claims of child sexual abuse under two pieces of legislation passed Friday by the Pennsylvania House, but it's unclear whether the state Senate will take them up.
3 contenders running to replace Sturgeon as Scottish leader
February 24, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Three members of the Scottish parliament will battle to become leader of the governing Scottish National Party, officials said Friday after the deadline for nominations closed.
Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf and lawmaker Ash Regan are running to replace First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Conspiracies fuel GOP switch on Kansas’ ballot grace period
February 24, 2023 GMTTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' GOP-controlled Legislature showed Thursday that it's likely to pass a bill eliminating the three extra days state voters get to return mail-in ballots after an election, highlighting the influence election conspiracy theories still hold over Republicans' thinking.
Vote to rid Nev. constitution of slavery moves to ’24 ballot
February 24, 2023 GMTCARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada voters will decide whether to get rid of slavery and involuntary servitude as a form of criminal punishment from the state constitution on the 2024 ballot, part of a growing push among some states to scrub outdated, century-old language that has stayed on the books.
Jimmy Carter: White House rise depended on twists before ’76
February 23, 2023 GMTPLAINS, Ga. (AP) — Jimmy Carter’s path to the presidency is an oft-told story, especially by aspiring presidents trying to be the next politician to defy Washington expectations.
As a little-known Georgia governor, Carter announced in late 1974 that he’d seek the presidency.
Arkansas Senate OKs bill on teacher raises, school vouchers
February 23, 2023 GMTLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Senate approved an education overhaul Thursday that raises teachers' starting pay and creates a new voucher program, despite complaints from Democrats and some Republicans about the bill being pushed through the Legislature too quickly.
Nigeria presses ahead with vote amid cash shortage crisis
February 23, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's election commission said Thursday it now has received much of the cash it needs to carry out this weekend’s elections, dismissing concerns that the vote would be postponed because of the country's banknote crisis.
‘Now or never’: Young Nigerians pin hopes on key election
February 23, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Frustrated by high unemployment and worsening violence, many younger Nigerians are flocking to a candidate outside the political mainstream in this month’s presidential election.
Mexico’s Senate approves controversial electoral reform
February 23, 2023 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s Senate on Wednesday approved a reform of the country’s electoral institute, a move that opponents say will undercut democracy but which the president contends will save money and reduce political privileges.
Former Arizona AG sat on records refuting election fraud
February 23, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Arizona's former attorney general suppressed findings by his investigators who concluded there was no basis for allegations that the 2020 election was marred by widespread fraud, according to documents released Wednesday by his successor.
Ukraine urges all nations to vote to preserve its territory
February 23, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — Ukraine’s foreign minister on Wednesday urged the world’s nations as the anniversary of Russia’s invasion nears to prove they stand for the United Nations Charter and vote in favor of a U.N.
Foes present signatures, seek New Orleans mayor recall vote
February 23, 2023 GMTNEW ORLEANS (AP) — Opponents of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell rushed 10 boxes of petitions into City Hall on Wednesday and declared they have enough enough signatures to force a recall of the second-term mayor.
North Carolina House votes to end pistol permit requirements
February 22, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — House Republicans in North Carolina voted Wednesday to toss out a longstanding requirement that handgun buyers first obtain a permit from their county sheriff, disregarding Democrats' concerns that it could create a dangerous loophole.
Mississippi tax cut bills stall despite GOP leaders’ push
February 22, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Tax relief proposals favored by Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and Republican legislative leaders stalled Wednesday and appear to be dead for the entire election-year legislative session, despite the GOP holding a supermajority in the House and Senate.
Missouri lawmakers try to strengthen abortion ban
February 22, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Legislation considered Wednesday in a Missouri state Senate committee would bolster the state’s abortion ban.
Republican Sen. Mike Moon’s measure would add a line to the Missouri Constitution that says: “Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion.”
Former Virgin Galactic CEO enters US House race north of LA
February 22, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Former Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides announced Wednesday he is seeking the seat held by Republican Rep. Mike Garcia in a district north of Los Angeles that is considered one of the most competitive House battlegrounds in the country.
NH House Democrat wins special election after tie vote
February 22, 2023 GMTROCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Democrat Chuck Grassie was reelected to the New Hampshire House on Tuesday in a special election triggered by a tie vote.
Initial results from the November election in Rochester's Ward 4 showed Republican David Walker defeating Grassie, the incumbent, by one vote, but a recount ended in a 970-970 tie.
Trump-backed state lawmaker loses Wisconsin primary
February 22, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican lawmaker endorsed by former President Donald Trump was defeated Tuesday by a fellow state legislator in a three-way GOP primary for an open state Senate seat representing Milwaukee’s northern suburbs.
Sports betting is back on agenda at Minnesota Legislature
February 21, 2023 GMTST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Legalizing sports betting is back on the agenda of the Minnesota Legislature, and advocates expressed hope Tuesday that they’ll find the votes to get a plan through the state Senate, where the idea has died before.
Bill changing elections in most populous NC county advances
February 21, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A bill that advanced Tuesday in the North Carolina House would change how county commissioners are elected in the state’s most populous county, drawing criticism from Democrats who do not want Republican state lawmakers interfering in their local elections.
Despite GOP rift, Kansas lawmakers target ballot drop boxes
February 21, 2023 GMTTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Kansas lawmakers pushed ahead Tuesday with trying to eliminate most ballot drop boxes in elections, despite a split among top Republicans that could doom the conspiracy-driven effort.
Wisconsin village moves voting after gunshot closes polls
February 21, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — A gunshot fired outside of a polling site Tuesday forced elections officials in a small Wisconsin village to move to their backup voting location, a county election official said.
Israel president urges consensus after judicial changes pass
February 21, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's president Tuesday called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition to seek dialogue and compromise after it pushed ahead with a controversial judicial overhaul in a turbulent parliamentary session overnight.
Israeli government advances judicial overhaul despite uproar
February 20, 2023 GMTTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel’s government on Monday was pressing ahead with a contentious plan to overhaul the country’s legal system, despite an unprecedented uproar that has included mass protests, warnings from military and business leaders and calls for restraint by the United States.
Wisconsin judge OKs ballot measures for April election
February 20, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge on Monday ruled that two Republican-backed measures can appear on the April ballot over the objections of criminal justice advocates who said elections officials had missed the state deadline.
Sri Lankan police disperse protesters demanding election
February 20, 2023 GMTCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lankan police fired tear gas and a water cannon at opposition supporters who marched in the capital on Monday demanding that the government hold next month’s local council elections as planned.
US averts UN diplomatic crisis over Israeli settlements
February 20, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Biden administration has averted a potential diplomatic crisis over Israeli settlements at the United Nations that had threatened to overshadow Western efforts for the world body to spotlight Russia’s war with Ukraine during the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion this week.
Ohio ex-speaker ill, corruption trial pauses after big week
February 19, 2023 GMTCINCINNATI (AP) — The racketeering trial of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Matt Borges was cancelled due to illness again Friday, giving jurors a long holiday weekend to mull striking new details revealed this week by players directly involved in an alleged $60 million bribery scheme.
Nigeria’s presidential frontrunners in final push for votes
February 19, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The leading contenders in Nigeria’s presidential election have made their last push for support, a week before the West African nation's key election.
As the campaign period neared its end, both the ruling party’s Bola Tinubu and the main opposition's Atiku Abubakar on Saturday held rallies in the northeast, where extremists have waged a decade-long insurgency against Nigeria.
2 Democrats make runoff in Louisiana House special election
February 19, 2023 GMTBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Two Democrats are headed to a runoff in a special election for a vacant Louisiana House seat representing parts of New Orleans after getting the most votes Saturday.
Republican losses fan election conspiracies in rural Arizona
February 19, 2023 GMTBISBEE, Ariz. (AP) — James Knox was glad to get out of the big city.
Part of a network of activists who believe U.S. elections are unreliable, Knox has unsuccessfully tried to convince supervisors in Maricopa County, Arizona's most populous county and home to Phoenix, that they should throw out elections that Republicans lost and get rid of voting machines.
Rogue Republican makes bid for open Wisconsin Senate seat
February 18, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — A rogue Republican lawmaker who alienated her colleagues in the Wisconsin Assembly when she embraced debunked election fraud conspiracy theories is vying to win an open state Senate seat, a victory that would give the GOP a supermajority in the chamber.
West Virginia advances voting precinct consolidation bill
February 17, 2023 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — County clerks and commissions in West Virginia would be given greater discretion to consolidate voting precincts under a bill proposed by the state Secretary of State’s office advancing in the state Legislature.
Kari Lake loses appeal in Arizona governor race challenge
February 17, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona appeals court has rejected Republican Kari Lake’s challenge of her defeat in the Arizona governor’s race to Democrat Katie Hobbs, denying her request to throw out election results in the state’s most populous county and hold the election again.
UN draft resolution demands halt to Israeli settlements
February 17, 2023 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — A Palestinian-backed U.N. resolution that could be put to a vote in the Security Council early next week would demand an immediate halt to all Israeli settlement activities, condemn Israeli attempts to annex settlements and outposts, “and call for their immediate reversal.”
N. Carolina Senate OKs gun bill with pistol permit repeal
February 16, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's Senate voted Thursday to scrap a requirement that a sheriff formally sign off before a person is able to legally purchase a handgun, as part of a broader firearms bill.
California and Nevada may ban forced prison labor, servitude
February 16, 2023 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Lawmakers in Nevada and California are advancing legislation to remove “involuntary servitude” from their states' constitutions, a move that follows four states' bans on forced labor that passed in ballot measures last fall.
Sturgeon’s exit leaves Scottish independence path unclear
February 16, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Scotland’s independence movement needs a new leader — and a new plan.
S. Carolina House passes abortion ban; no sign of budging
February 16, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — For the second time since the U.S. Supreme Court ended federal abortion protections, the South Carolina House has passed a near-total abortion ban — and shows no sign of budging.
Split Pennsylvania House set for raucous return next week
February 15, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's top House Republican on Wednesday warned of chaos when legislators reconvene next week, six weeks after representatives elected a Democrat as House speaker and left Harrisburg without conducting any other business.
Party foul: Dem-led NY Senate rejects gov’s top judge pick
February 15, 2023 GMTALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York's Senate rejected Gov. Kathy Hochul’s nominee to be the state's chief judge Wednesday, an extraordinary defeat for the state's top Democrat delivered by legislative leaders in her own party.
Republicans push plan tightening Indiana mail voting rules
February 15, 2023 GMTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Republicans endorsed a new attempt Wednesday to toughen laws on mail-in voting amid the national specter of voter fraud claims despite opponents arguing the steps would unnecessarily add hurdles for people seeking to legally cast election ballots.
Scottish leader Sturgeon quits with independence goal unmet
February 15, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon said Wednesday that she plans to step down after more than eight years in office, amid criticism of her drive to expand transgender rights and her strategy for achieving independence from the United Kingdom.
French pension tension triggers turbulent parliament debate
February 15, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Sparks are flying over French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to raise the retirement age — not just in the streets, but in parliament too. The proposed pension reforms have unleashed the most turbulent debate in years in the National Assembly, with uncertainty looming over the final outcome.
SC lawmakers revive effort to remove gun permit requirements
February 14, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in South Carolina have revived efforts to allow firearm owners to carry handguns without a permit, either openly or concealed.
Proposed legislation overcame another hurdle Tuesday when the state's House Judiciary Committee approved it by a 16-7 vote along party lines.
Court nixes Fox News’ bid to end voting tech firm’s suit
February 14, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Fox News lost an attempt Tuesday to shut down a multibillion-dollar defamation lawsuit that accuses the network of spreading lies that a voting-technology company helped “steal” the 2020 election from then-U.S.
Nicaragua’s vote to strip opponents of citizenship
February 14, 2023 GMTMEXICO CITY (AP) — Last week Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega packed off 222 political leaders, priests, students, activists and other dissidents to the United States, their release long demanded by the international community.
GOP’s intraparty power battle roiling lawmaking in Ohio
February 14, 2023 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A battle for political control of the Ohio House has laid bare the risks the Republican Party faces as factions of its legislative supermajority square off more over tactics and the willingness to thwart long held institutional norms than policy.
North Carolina GOP again seeking to ease gun restrictions
February 14, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Both chambers of North Carolina's General Assembly are once again advancing previously vetoed gun legislation in light of Republicans' midterm election gains that landed them within one seat of a veto-proof supermajority.
After nearly upsetting Boebert in 2022, Frisch to run again
February 14, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — Democrat Adam Frisch, who nearly unseated Republican Rep.
West Virginia House OKs bill to break ailing DHHR into three
February 14, 2023 GMTCHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A bill that would dissolve West Virginia's ailing Department of Health and Human Resources and separate it into three new departments passed the House overwhelmingly Tuesday after lawmakers voiced concerns about abuse and neglect allegations facing the state's largest government agency.
North Carolina House GOP modifies rules on veto overrides
February 14, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina House Republicans are again proposing to modify their chamber's operating rules on veto overrides for the next two years, only now offering Democratic colleagues some broad limits on when they could be attempted.
Evers’ budget pushes automatic registration, voting changes
February 13, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin drivers would be automatically registered to vote under Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' executive budget, the governor's office announced Monday.
The governor’s plan would earmark more than $500,000 for the Wisconsin Elections Commission and Department of Transportation to register eligible citizens whose information is on file with the DOT.
Israel’s president urges Netanyahu to delay legal overhaul
February 12, 2023 GMTJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's president on Sunday appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay a contentious plan to overhaul the country's judicial system and instead seek a compromise with his political opponents.