Push to expand voting rights in US for those held in jails
March 25, 2023 GMTCHICAGO (AP) — The voting precinct could have been any one of hundreds throughout Chicago, except that these voters in the first round of the mayoral election were all wearing the same beige smocks.
Bolsonaro’s legal woes deepen with undeclared diamond gifts
March 25, 2023 GMTRIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Undeclared diamond jewelry brought into Brazil from Saudi Arabia has deepened the legal jeopardy of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. An investigation into two sets of jewels reportedly worth millions is only the latest scandal threatening the far-right politician.
Connecticut hopes to move up its presidential primary date
March 24, 2023 GMTHARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Both Democrats and Republicans in Connecticut are backing a proposal to move up the date of Connecticut's presidential primary in hopes of giving the small state a bigger say in choosing presidential candidates.
US sanctions Belarus’ election officials, president’s plane
March 24, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. imposed sanctions Friday on seven Belarusian elections officials, two state-owned automotive manufacturers and President Alexander Lukashenko's aircraft.
Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, intensified his repression after a wave of protests in 2020 following a presidential election that the West and Belarus’ opposition denounced as a sham.
Wisconsin’s new secretary of state surprised by appointment
March 23, 2023 GMTWisconsin's newly appointed secretary of state said Thursday that she had no idea Gov. Tony Evers was going to offer her the job, defusing Republican allegations that her appointment was part of a long-planned scheme tied to her dropping out of a U.S.
Lawyer demands Fox apologize for Jan. 6 conspiracy theory
March 23, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The lawyer for a one-time supporter of former President Donald Trump who has been caught up in a Jan. 6 conspiracy theory demanded Thursday that Fox News and host Tucker Carlson retract and apologize for repeated “falsehoods" about the man's supposed intentions.
Arizona court declines most of Lake’s appeal over gov’s race
March 23, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Supreme Court has declined to hear most of Republican Kari Lake’s appeal in a challenge of her defeat in the governor’s race but revived a claim that was dismissed by a trial court.
Pro-labor? Biden aims to prove it with unionized 2024 staff
March 23, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden likes to say he's the most pro-union president in U.S.
Canada lawmaker quits Trudeau’s party amid China allegations
March 23, 2023 GMTOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — A lawmaker said late Wednesday that he is stepping down from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party after a media report raised questions about his dealings with China, a claim that comes amid an investigation into allegations of Chinese meddling in Canada's elections.
Former Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly ‘put others first’
March 23, 2023 GMTFormer Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly, who pushed ambitious projects that included purchasing a coal mine, building an aerial tram into the Grand Canyon and reaching a water rights settlement with Arizona, has died.
Fox, Dominion argue over legal standards to prove defamation
March 22, 2023 GMTWILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Lawyers for Fox News and a voting machine company tangled Wednesday over the high bar to prove defamation in a $1.6 billion lawsuit that has embarrassed the conservative network over its airing of false claims related to the 2020 presidential election.
Nevada’s most populous county appoints new elections head
March 22, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — The county comprising about three quarters of Nevada’s registered voters announced a new elections director on Tuesday.
Lorena Portillo will succeed Joe Gloria, who ran elections in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, for nearly a decade and worked in the elections department since 1995.
Mississippi sets tighter restrictions on absentee ballots
March 22, 2023 GMTJACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi will set tighter restrictions on who can gather other people's absentee ballots, under a bill that Gov. Tate Reeves signed Wednesday.
The Republican governor said the law, which takes effect July 1, will ban political operatives from collecting and handling large numbers of absentee ballots.
Pakistan’s election body delays voting for Punjab Assembly
March 22, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s elections oversight body on Wednesday delayed elections for a regional assembly after the government of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif refused to provide the necessary funds and polling staff citing financial constraints.
Bell wins Georgia House seat; Clayton sheriff set for runoff
March 22, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Eric W. Bell II won a special election to fill a vacancy in the Georgia House of Representatives, while Levon Allen and Clarence Cox will go to a runoff for the sheriff's post in Clayton County, according to final unofficial election results Tuesday.
Senators want governor to name comptroller after $3.5B error
March 21, 2023 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The legislative fallout over a $3.5 billion accounting blunder by South Carolina's comptroller general took a new turn Tuesday as lawmakers moved to make his job a gubernatorial appointment instead of an elected position.
Crime becomes flash point in Kentucky GOP race for governor
March 21, 2023 GMTFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Dozens of law enforcement officials in Kentucky came to Attorney General Daniel Cameron's aid on Tuesday, pushing back against a new attack aimed at his record on combating crime as the contest for the Republican gubernatorial nomination becomes increasingly testy.
Evers pushes to repeal abortion ban ahead of court election
March 21, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and his fellow Democrats worked Tuesday to keep the spotlight on abortion ahead of next month's state Supreme Court election, resurrecting a bill that would repeal the state's 1849 ban on the practice.
Opposition files petition against Nigerian election result
March 21, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A Nigerian opposition party has filed a petition with the Court of Appeal against the ruling party for its candidate's victory in last month's presidential election, according to court documents seen by The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Thailand sets May 14 election, populist party tops polls
March 21, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s general election will take place on May 14, the country’s election regulator said Tuesday, one day after the dissolution of Parliament initiated by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is seeking a fresh term.
Dominant party wins most votes in Kazakh parliament election
March 20, 2023 GMTMOSCOW (AP) — Kazakhstan's dominant political party received slightly more than half the vote in the election for the lower house of parliament, according to preliminary results announced Monday, but the final tally of seats won't be clear until new single-mandate races are tallied.
Thailand dissolves Parliament ahead of May elections
March 20, 2023 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's Parliament was dissolved Monday by a government decree, setting the stage for a May general election that poses an opportunity to lessen the military’s influence in politics.
Long-serving Montenegro president to face newcomer in runoff
March 19, 2023 GMTPODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — The long-serving incumbent will face a political newcomer in a runoff presidential election in Montenegro next month no one won in the first round of voting on Sunday held amid a political turmoil in the Balkan country, early projections showed.
Officials abducted, jihadists repelled in Nigeria vote
March 19, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Security forces repelled an attack by Islamic extremists on a coalition center in northeastern Nigeria and several election officials elsewhere were kidnapped as results trickled in Sunday from the gubernatorial vote.
Election conspiracy movement grinds on as 2024 approaches
March 19, 2023 GMTFRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) — One by one, the presenters inside the crowded hotel ballroom shared their computer screens and promised to show how easy it is to hack into voting systems across the U.S.
Drawing gasps from the crowd, they highlighted theoretical vulnerabilities and problems from past elections.
Reports of violence in Nigeria election for new governors
March 18, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Millions of Nigerians voted Saturday to elect state governors but faced intimidation and violence in some cities amid heightened tensions following a disputed presidential election in Africa's most populous nation last month.
State voter fraud system fractures as Republicans opt out
March 17, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — Election officials from states enrolled in a bipartisan effort to ensure accurate voter lists decided Friday against making rule changes that had been pushed by Republicans amid conspiracies targeting the group, prompting more GOP-leaning states to leave.
Wisconsin Democratic Secretary of State La Follette resigns
March 17, 2023 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin's longtime Democratic Secretary of State Doug La Follette abruptly resigned on Friday, saying he was leaving three months into his 11th consecutive term “to focus on my personal needs” after watching the office be stripped of its power over the past 50 years.
Turkey’s president says he will back Finland’s NATO bid
March 17, 2023 GMTISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that his government would move forward with ratifying Finland’s NATO application, paving the way for the country to join the military bloc ahead of Sweden.
Montenegro presidential vote seen as test of future policies
March 17, 2023 GMTPODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro is preparing to hold a presidential election this weekend, a vote taking place amid political deadlock that has stalled the small NATO member's bid to join the European Union and questions about whether the Balkan country will align more closely with Serbia and Russia.
Thailand’s opposition party unveils policies and candidates
March 17, 2023 GMTPATHUM THANI, Thailand (AP) — Thailand’s main opposition party on Friday paraded its slate of parliamentary candidates and outlined its policy pledges in a well-choreographed show of confidence ahead of the approaching general election.
Santos refuses to quit, brazenly says ‘truth still matters’
March 17, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Besieged Republican Rep. George Santos arrives on the House floor most days to deliver short speeches — celebrating women-owned small businesses, a special high school in his district or raising concern about various countries in crises.
Trump’s VP? Some in GOP already jockeying for consideration
March 16, 2023 GMTOXON HILL, Md. (AP) — Trips to Mar-a-Lago. Glowing speeches. Front-row seats at major events.
The first Republican presidential primaries are nearly a year away and the candidate field is unsettled.
Montenegro: President dissolves parliament ahead of election
March 16, 2023 GMTPODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro's president, who is running for reelection this weekend, dissolved parliament Thursday, paving the way for an early parliamentary election in the near future.
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.
New populist BBB wins Dutch vote; Rutte coalition down
March 15, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A new populist party riding anger among Dutch farmers and rural communities at government policies to rein in agricultural pollution emerged as the big winner in provincial elections Wednesday, according to early exit polls.
US Rep. Santos files paperwork for possible reelection bid
March 15, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Rep. George Santos filed paperwork Tuesday indicating his intent to run for reelection, even as he faces calls to resign amid ongoing criminal and ethics investigations into lies he told while running for office.
Long-serving Cambodian leader Hun Sen hints at retirement
March 14, 2023 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen hinted strongly Tuesday that he intends to step down as the country’s long-serving leader when a new government is installed after July’s general election.
Dutch set to vote in local elections with national impact
March 14, 2023 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch voters go to the polls Wednesday in local elections with a national impact, with campaign themes ranging from local bugbears like dwindling public transport in remote villages to global issues such as migration and the environment.
Key dates in Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 20-year rule of Turkey
March 14, 2023 GMTANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking a third consecutive term in office in elections in May, marks 20 years in power on Tuesday.
South Dakota session saw tax cut, transgender care limits
March 13, 2023 GMTPIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota lawmakers are taking a break in the legislative session until they return later in March to consider any bills Republican Gov. Kristi Noem vetoed.
Republican legislative leaders were focused on cutting taxes when the session began in January.
Tunisia’s parliament convenes for first time since 2021
March 13, 2023 GMTTUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Tunisia's new parliament convened Monday, the first time the country has had a functioning legislature since the president had the previous parliament sealed off by the army in 2021.
Anti-Trump GOP voters mostly loyal in 2022, but not entirely
March 12, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Lauren Boebert's grip on Colorado's 3rd Congressional District didn't seem in question heading into last year's midterms.
Pence says Trump ‘endangered my family’ on Jan. 6
March 12, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday harshly criticized former President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, widening the rift between the two men as they prepare to battle over the Republican nomination in next year's election.
Colorado GOP selects combative, election-denying new leader
March 11, 2023 GMTLOVELAND, Colo. (AP) — The Colorado Republican Party on Saturday selected a combative former state representative who promised to be a “wartime” leader as its new chairman, joining several other state GOPs this year that have elected far-right figures and election conspiracy theorists to their top posts.
Records in Fox defamation case show pressures on reporters
March 11, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — It wasn't critics, political foes or their bosses that united Fox News stars Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham when they gathered via text message for a gripe session shortly after the 2020 election.
Erdogan sets May 14 election date as he seeks to extend rule
March 10, 2023 GMTANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday formally set the country’s parliamentary and presidential elections for May 14 — a month earlier than scheduled despite the devastating Feb.
Court records show political pressure behind Fox programming
March 10, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — In May 2018, the nation's top Republicans needed help. So they called on the founder of Fox News, Rupert Murdoch.
Vermont’s largest city votes to allow noncitizen voting
March 10, 2023 GMTBURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — Vermont's largest city has voted to allow noncitizens who are in the country legally to vote in local elections.
The proposed charter change for Burlington now must be considered by the Legislature and the Republican governor.
CEO of powerful Louisiana business group runs for governor
March 9, 2023 GMTBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The head of one of Louisiana’s most powerful business groups, Stephen Waguespack, announced Thursday he will run for governor in October.
He told Louisiana Association of Business and Industry board members that he was resigning from his position of 10 years, as president and CEO of the group, to launch his Republican gubernatorial bid.
Former Trump lawyer censured for falsehoods about election
March 9, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — Jenna Ellis, a former attorney for Donald Trump 's reelection campaign and a prominent conservative media figure, has been censured by Colorado legal officials after admitting she made repeated false statements about the 2020 presidential election.
Kenyatta enters 2024 race for Pennsylvania auditor general
March 9, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Democratic state lawmaker said Thursday he is running for Pennsylvania auditor general in next year's election, getting an early start on the campaign to lead the state's fiscal watchdog agency.
Report: Malaysian ex-PM Muhyiddin facing graft charges
March 9, 2023 GMTPUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) — Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was grilled Thursday by anti-graft agency officials for a second time in a matter of weeks and reportedly will be charged over alleged corruption connected with awarding of government contracts while he was in office.
Lawsuit against Fox shows the news behind the Trump news
March 9, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Fresh revelations flowing from a major defamation lawsuit are shedding light on what was happening inside Fox News following the 2020 presidential election.
Nigeria postpones election for new state governors
March 8, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s election commission has postponed the West African nation’s March 11 gubernatorial election, an official announced late Wednesday, citing logistics challenges.
The election for new governors for 28 of Nigeria’s 36 states will now be held on March 18.
North Carolina House OKs election changes for Wake County
March 8, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A bill changing the election process for county commissioners in the state’s most populous county passed the North Carolina House on a unanimous vote Wednesday after the Republican sponsor announced a compromise earlier this week.
Tucker Carlson’s scorn for Trump revealed in court papers
March 8, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — A defamation lawsuit is revealing scornful behind-the-scenes opinions by Fox News figures about Donald Trump, including a Tucker Carlson text message declaring, “I hate him passionately.”
Estonia’s Reform Party starts coalition government talks
March 8, 2023 GMTHELSINKI (AP) — Estonia's center-right Reform Party started talks with two smaller parties Wednesday about forming a new liberal-minded coalition government.
The party of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas won the Baltic nation's general election on Sunday with 31.2% of the vote.
Arizona attorney general sues to stop county election switch
March 8, 2023 GMTArizona's attorney general on Tuesday sued to stop a transfer of election duties in a rural county where the leaders have embraced voting conspiracy theories.
The Republican majority on the Cochise County Board of Supervisors voted last week to transfer of all election functions from the nonpartisan elections department to the county's elected recorder, also a Republican.
Fox chair Murdoch says 2020 election was fair: court filings
March 8, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch said under oath that he believes the 2020 presidential election was free, fair and not stolen, according to court filings released Tuesday in a lawsuit over Fox News’ coverage of former President Donald Trump’s unfounded election fraud claims.
Deadline Tuesday to run in Pennsylvania elections
March 7, 2023 GMTHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — It’s clear those vying for a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court or a term as Philadelphia’s mayor will face contested races in the primaries as the last day for candidates to file concluded Tuesday.
Louisiana congressman won’t run in 2023 governor election
March 7, 2023 GMTBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's gubernatorial ballot continues to take shape with a rumored candidate opting out and others considering the possibility of a bid, with just seven months to go until the charged election.
Venezuelans still miss Chavez, want Maduro to do ‘better’
March 7, 2023 GMTCARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — In his last televised message before dying of cancer, the late President Hugo Chávez told Venezuelans to choose Nicolás Maduro as his successor, promising that the leftist policies that oversaw a reduction in poverty would continue under the then-vice president's guidance.
Hope Hicks meets with NY prosecutors investigating Trump
March 7, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s former spokesperson Hope Hicks met Monday with Manhattan prosecutors who are investigating hush-money payments made to women on the ex-president’s behalf — the latest member of the Republican's inner circle to be questioned in the renewed probe.
3 GOP states pull out of effort to thwart voter fraud
March 6, 2023 GMTST. LOUIS (AP) — Three Republican-led states on Monday pulled out of a bipartisan effort among states to ensure accurate voter lists, undermining a system with a demonstrated record of combating voter fraud.
Wake County commissioners reach compromise on elections bill
March 6, 2023 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Wake County’s sole Republican state lawmaker said Monday that she and its Democratic-led Board of Commissioners have reached a compromise on a bill that would change how commissioners are elected in the state’s most populous county.
Ousted French soccer official withdraws from FIFA election
March 6, 2023 GMTNYON, Switzerland (AP) — Ousted French soccer federation president Noël Le Graët formally withdrew his candidacy for re-election to the FIFA Council, European soccer body UEFA said Monday.
Le Graët had stayed in the April 5 election contest for the $250,000-a-year position despite rising criticism in recent weeks of his leadership of French soccer.
First prominent Democrat enters race for Louisiana governor
March 6, 2023 GMTBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — With just seven months until Louisiana's election for governor, Shawn Wilson officially entered the gubernatorial race Monday, becoming the first prominent Democrat to seek the seat later this year.
Protests against Nigeria’s election results intensify
March 6, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Thousands of Nigerian opposition supporters protested Monday against the country’s presidential election results, as calls for a revote intensified.
Estonia’s pro-Ukraine prime minister Kallas wins reelection
March 6, 2023 GMTTALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The center-right Reform Party of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, one of Europe’s most outspoken supporters of Ukraine, overwhelmingly won the Baltic country’s general election, while a far-right populist challenger lost seats in a vote that focused on national security and the economy.
Biden reelection bid faces resistance from some Democrats
March 6, 2023 GMTLACONIA, N.H. (AP) — Steve Shurtleff was at Joe Biden's side in 2019 when he filed papers in the New Hampshire State House to run for president.
He repeatedly trekked across the state with Biden to court primary voters.
Pakistan bans media broadcasts of ex-PM Imran Khan speeches
March 6, 2023 GMTISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's media regulator banned broadcasts of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's speeches as police arrived at one of his homes to deliver another court summons for the ousted premier, officials said Monday.
Restoring rights for felons a rare bipartisan voting change
March 5, 2023 GMTLINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — TJ King had candidates and causes to support, but couldn’t vote in Nebraska’s last election.
An outreach specialist with the Nebraska AIDS Project, King came off probation in August after serving time for drug and theft convictions.
Ex-Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan won’t challenge Trump in 2024
March 5, 2023 GMTANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Larry Hogan, the former Republican governor of Maryland who positioned himself as one of his party's fiercest critics of Donald Trump, said Sunday he will not challenge the ex-president for the GOP's White House nomination in 2024.
Marianne Williamson begins longshot 2024 challenge to Biden
March 4, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Self-help author Marianne Williamson, whose 2020 White House campaign featured more quirky calls for spiritual healing than actual voter support, launched another longshot bid for the presidency on Saturday, becoming the first Democrat to formally challenge President Joe Biden for the 2024 nomination.
Election conspiracies fuel dispute over voter fraud system
March 4, 2023 GMTATLANTA (AP) — A bipartisan effort among states to combat voter fraud has found itself in the crosshairs of conspiracy theories fueled by Donald Trump’s false claims about the 2020 presidential election and now faces an uncertain future.
Ukraine ally Kallas fights for reelection in Estonia vote
March 4, 2023 GMTTALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Estonia, which is providing Ukraine with more weapons than any other country relative to its economic might, is preparing to hold a general election Sunday that will determine whether it can sustain that high level of support.
Ohio derailment tests Sen. Brown’s push to buck Dem defeats
March 4, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Sherrod Brown has survived a decade of statewide Democratic losses in Ohio by building a reputation as the rare person in his party who can still connect with the white working-class voters who have increasingly shifted to Republicans.
6 Nigerian states drop suit to void presidential vote result
March 4, 2023 GMTABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Six states in Nigeria on Friday night withdrew a suit asking the Supreme Court to void the result of the just-concluded presidential election, the latest twist in several challenges facing the ruling party’s victory in the vote.
Pompeo, Haley take veiled jabs at Trump in CPAC remarks
March 4, 2023 GMTOXON HILL, Md. (AP) — Two leading Republicans took veiled jabs at former President Donald Trump at an annual gathering of conservatives Friday, knocking “celebrity leaders” not in tune with reality while noting winnable elections that had been lost as they urged a party course correction ahead of the 2024 presidential contest.