AGP Executive Report

Kashmir Elections: PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is warning that any AJK vote controversy will taint the incoming government, arguing only free, fair, transparent elections can resolve the region’s problems and the refugee-seats dispute. AI & Voting Integrity: US lawmakers reintroduced a bill to ban deceptive AI-generated political ads, saying deepfakes and synthetic voices could mislead voters ahead of November. Campaign Finance Watch: Wisconsin watchdogs filed complaints alleging Mandela Barnes’ campaign and a related PAC broke state rules on timely registration after sponsoring a statewide poll. Election Confidence Polling: A Nevada survey finds voters are mostly confident ballots will be counted accurately, but still uneasy about how voting is conducted. US Election Law Fight: A legal battle over whether churches can endorse candidates without losing tax-exempt status is intensifying ahead of midterms. Prediction Markets Clash: A federal judge blocked Minnesota’s ban on prediction markets, keeping the fight over state power and election-related betting alive. Local Politics: Los Angeles mayoral rivals traded barbs over rising homelessness as new count figures show an uptick in unsheltered people. AJK Results: Early Mirpur Division results show PML-N leading with five seats to PPP’s two amid rigging and scuffles allegations.

Negeri Sembilan Campaign: With just four days left before polling, candidates in Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan election are going beyond ceramah and door-knocking—mixing community events and social media, including a PH doctor-candidate demo of motorcycle oil changes to reach younger voters. Royalty Rules: The Negeri Sembilan Palace is warning parties not to drag the monarchy into campaigning or use “3R” issues (race, religion, royalty), stressing the royal household’s neutrality. AJK Voting Under Pressure: In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, first-phase AJK legislative assembly polling wrapped after a one-hour extension; counting is underway, with reports of a firing incident during polling and ballot-box arson in one area. US Voting Fight: A federal appeals court upheld a block on Trump’s order to create a federal voter list and restrict mail ballots to people on it, keeping the legal fight alive heading into November. South Korea Election Fallout: A Seoul court convicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol for lying during the 2022 campaign, with potential repayment of nearly 40 billion won in reimbursed election expenses. Georgia Special Election: Six candidates are set for Georgia’s 13th District special election to replace the late Rep. David Scott, with the outcome potentially shifting the House balance. Israel Campaign Spotlight: Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot is emerging as Netanyahu’s main challenger ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, pitching a platform focused on security and democratic institutions. South Sudan Voter Education: South Sudan’s elections commission launched a civic and voter education drive, pledging neutrality and releasing a seven-step voting guide.

Election Integrity & Courts (US): A federal appeals court kept in place an injunction blocking President Trump’s mail-in voting order in 23 states, rejecting DOJ’s claim the challenge was premature. Voter Rolls & Access (US): New Jersey’s noncitizen voter-roll scandal keeps driving backlash, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill urging accountability—investigate, fix, and disclose—after a software failure admitted thousands were wrongly added. AI in Campaigning (US): New election rules require disclosure when AI is used in campaign ads, while lawmakers push to rein in AI-powered ads and paid influencers. Osun Governorship (Nigeria): APC named Hope Uzodimma chair of its Osun national campaign council for the Aug. 15 election, unveiling a 276-member team and subcommittees. AJK & PoK Polls (Pakistan): AJK’s first phase begins amid allegations of restrictions and unrest; in Kotli LA-10, PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah demands postponement over claims polling bags were taken to a private residence. Israel Election & Security: As Israel heads to an Oct. 27 vote, former general Gadi Eisenkot emerges as Netanyahu’s main rival, while the army runs a major West Bank arrest campaign. Campaigning on the Ground (Malaysia): In Negeri Sembilan, PH candidate Dr Azizul Hakim campaigns with free health check-ups, pitching mobile care expansion to voters. Australia Coalition Watch: Polling suggests One Nation could be “arm’s reach” of government, with a hung-parliament scenario possible.

US Midterms Countdown: With 100 days to Nov. 3, the fight is sharpening over election rules and turnout, as Trump pushes the SAVE America Act while courts block parts of his mail-voting changes and Democrats warn the pressure campaign could set up federal interference. Voter ID & Citizenship Checks: Ballot measures are moving across states—California’s Prop 39 and Arizona’s Prop 144—while California’s AG is sued over mid-campaign changes to voter ID ballot language. Election Betting Scrutiny: Kalshi is launching a midterms hub as regulators and critics scrutinize election-related prediction markets. Oregon Governor Race: Oregon’s Kotek and Drazan are in a 100-day rematch, with Drazan focusing on Kotek’s record and Kotek’s campaign tying Drazan to Trump. Kenya 2027 Peace Pledge: William Ruto says elections will be peaceful and warns against violence, as political tensions and accusations intensify. AJK Polls & Code Violations: Pakistan’s PPP urges the AJK election commission to act over alleged campaign-code breaches and use of official resources. Local Primaries: Elizabeth’s Isaias Rivera wins a Democratic primary, advancing to November.

Mail Voting Court Fight (US): A federal appeals court blocked Trump’s administration from rolling out a mail-in voting tightening order in 23 states, keeping a lower-court injunction in place while the case heads to further review. Voter Rolls & Privacy (US): A federal judge dismissed the DOJ’s bid to force Kentucky to hand over unredacted statewide voter registration data, citing voter privacy limits. NJ Noncitizen Voter Roll Fallout (US): New Jersey’s voter-roll controversy continues to drive campaign attacks and legal pressure after a reported Motor Vehicle Commission software failure improperly added thousands of noncitizens. AJK Election Code & Campaign Rules (Pakistan): Ahead of Azad Jammu and Kashmir polls, the election commission warned parties not to use new government schemes or resources during the election period, as electric bus “gifts” arrived and drew scrutiny; media groups were also urged to stick to verified, balanced reporting. Local Runoffs & Outreach (US): South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed his runoff case in Spearfish, while Lt. Gov. Austin Davis led a statewide voter outreach stop in Erie. School Board Results (US): Final unofficial results showed Neighbors, Carter, and Etzkorn winning local school board races. Campaign Launch Abroad (Brazil): Flavio Bolsonaro formally kicked off his presidential bid against Lula, leaning on support from Javier Milei and messages from his jailed father. Election Dispute Adjourned (Ghana): Ghana’s High Court adjourned an NPP Krachi East organiser election challenge to October 9.

Election Integrity & Voter Rolls: New Jersey’s noncitizen voter-roll scandal is back in the spotlight as Democrats admit the “horrible” registration error but reject broader fraud claims, while Republicans demand answers about transparency and timing. Legal & Policy Battles: A federal judge blocked New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship voter ID law, and DOJ is pushing further fights over voter-roll access. Campaign Finance & Influence: Chicago’s first fully elected school board race is drawing scrutiny over how nonprofits and super PACs may be sidestepping contribution limits, with candidates raising about $1.8M so far. Local Campaign Rules & Security: Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan police opened 11 investigation papers over election-related offences; in Pune, election officials tightened voter verification under SIR, raising pressure on BLOs. Civic Outreach Deadlines: Nigeria’s INEC urged eligible voters to finish Continuous Voter Registration by July 26, while South Sudan’s NEC is rolling out civic and voter education ahead of December polls. Campaign Tone & Ethics: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged parties in Negeri Sembilan to avoid race, religion, and societal-background attacks, focusing instead on policy.

Election Integrity Fight: New Jersey’s noncitizen voter-roll controversy keeps escalating as IDEMIA denies responsibility and Rhode Island Republicans demand a voter-roll audit after the NJ mistake. DOJ vs. States: The Justice Department filed an appeal to obtain Kentucky voter information after a judge rejected its request, pushing the dispute toward higher courts. Prediction Markets Scrutiny: Maryland’s top election official is asking prosecutors to investigate election prediction markets, arguing they function like wagering on outcomes; Kalshi also clashes with Netflix over a documentary trailer. Campaign Money & Rules: Kansas House incumbents report big cash-on-hand advantages; Colorado faces a complaint over alleged campaign finance violations by gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx. Local Races: Tombstone’s mayoral race is still shifting as ballots are processed, while Bisbee’s Amy Burkert leads in unofficial results. Homelessness & Politics: Los Angeles’ latest count shows an uptick in unsheltered homelessness, a potential political hit for Mayor Karen Bass ahead of reelection. Global Politics: Ukraine’s intelligence says Russia’s election environment is tightly controlled as public support for the war reportedly erodes.

U.S. Election Integrity Fight: A federal judge dismissed the DOJ’s bid to obtain unredacted Kentucky voter rolls, continuing a string of court losses for Trump’s administration over sensitive election data. New Jersey Voter Roll Fallout: NJ’s noncitizen voter-roll error—blamed on a motor-vehicle software flaw—has triggered an independent investigation and renewed national debate over voter ID and election safeguards, even as New Hampshire lawmakers say their systems are not vulnerable to the same glitch. Campaign Finance Scrutiny: Wisconsin’s Ethics Commission complaint alleges Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley broke state campaign finance rules, including improper transfers and alleged illegal lobbyist donations. Midterms Pressure & Voting Rules: House Republicans head into a grueling August stretch while election-rule fights intensify, including NC’s board changes that could make it easier to disqualify some absentee ballots. Global Campaigns & Credibility Tests: Nigeria’s Osun governorship race is framed as a credibility test for INEC ahead of 2027, while Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan election enters week two with calls to avoid slander and false claims.

Election Integrity & Access: The Brennan Center warns mass voter challenges could surge in 2026 and keep being used to restrict access, as DOJ seeks voter data from states. Voter Rolls Under Fire: Alaska removed thousands from its active voter list after “old data” from DMV flagged possible noncitizens, while New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill refused to turn over identities tied to a Motor Vehicle Commission software glitch that added about 6,600 noncitizens—only ~400 voted. Federal Court Pushback: A Trump-appointed judge dismissed DOJ’s Kentucky bid for unredacted voter registration records, adding to a string of DOJ losses. Voter ID Fight in Congress: The SAVE America Act stalls in the Senate; White House pressure on GOP leaders grows, and even James Carville urges Democrats to stop fighting photo ID. Prediction Markets & Politics: Kalshi faces backlash after a Wisconsin warning that betting on elections could violate state law, and a Democrat calls deportation-number betting “disgusting.” Local Results & Campaigns: Santa Barbara County certified June primary results; Arapahoe County GOP board member Robert Downey again refused to sign certification. Global Watch: Nawaz Sharif is set to address an AJK election rally in Mirpur ahead of July 27 voting.

Voter ID vs. insider trading: The U.S. House passed a stock-trading ban package with a voter ID provision attached, 232-198, with 13 Democrats joining Republicans—reviving the SAVE Act fight and setting up a Senate showdown. New Jersey voter-roll fallout: NJ disclosed a software glitch that improperly registered about 6,600 noncitizens (around 400 may have voted), triggering fresh calls for investigations and data access. Election security rhetoric: Sen. John Fetterman pushed back on Trump’s renewed 2020 election fraud claims, calling them a distraction from current crises. Campaign rules and enforcement: Philippines Comelec warned candidates in Dasmariñas against premature campaigning ahead of an Aug. 29 special election. Local races and turnout logistics: Michigan voters get guaranteed early voting for the Aug. 4 primary (July 25–Aug. 2, with options to extend), while NC’s Guilford-area early voting site debate leaves students farther from polling places. Global election pressure: Nicaragua’s parliament moved to eliminate elections, while Israel’s election season ramps up amid integrity warnings and delayed inquiry plans.

New Jersey Voter-Roll Fallout: DOJ demanded details from Gov. Mikie Sherrill after 6,600 noncitizens were wrongly added to the rolls, including names, dates of birth, nationalities, addresses, and where/when up to 400 voted—while the vendor blamed by Sherrill pushed back, saying the state’s data checks were “recorded correctly” and the company doesn’t control voter enrollment. Federal Voting Fight: The House advanced a package pairing a congressional stock-trading ban with federal voter ID rules; 198 Democrats opposed, arguing the voter ID parts could suppress mail voting. Georgia Campaign Pressure: Trump rallied in Georgia to push stricter nationwide voting requirements, leaning on election-security messaging that worries some Republicans in a competitive Senate race. Election Integrity Warnings: The Brennan Center warned mass voter challenges are likely in 2026 midterms and could undermine the democratic process. Local Politics: Soledad’s youngest councilmember announced he won’t seek re-election; in Marana, unofficial results show incumbents leading in mayor and council races.

Local Elections & Governance: In South Africa’s UMhlathuze, IFP leader Xolani Ngwezi says his re-election as party sub-regional chair boosts his odds of returning as mayor, with a focus on infrastructure and services. Municipal Results: Lori Norcutt won Fallon City Council Ward 1 with 56% after a June primary ballot glitch forced a redo for 881 residents. Campaign Integrity & Civility: Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan election campaign is heating up as Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged parties to avoid slander and sabotage after vandalism complaints over PH billboards. Absentee Ballot Rules: Wisconsin Democrats asked the elections commission to let voters who already returned absentee ballots vote again after a chaotic governor primary reshuffle—while the commission chair says he won’t rescind guidance. U.S. Voter Rolls Fight: New Jersey’s DMV software error registered about 6,600 noncitizens to vote, and the DOJ is now pressing for identities and voting records, escalating a federal case. Arizona Election Administration: Trump-backed election deniers swept Arizona GOP primaries—Andy Biggs for governor, Alex Kolodin for secretary of state, and Warren Petersen for attorney general—raising stakes over control of election oversight. Ballot Access Court Battle: Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback faces a potential ballot removal after admitting he voted in D.C. in 2020, challenging his residency eligibility. Global Democracy Watch: A Malawi-led SADC observer mission will monitor Zambia’s 2026 election, covering campaigning, voting, counting, and the post-election period.

New Jersey Voter-Roll Shock: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a Motor Vehicle software error wrongly registered about 6,600 noncitizens between 2023-2024, with fewer than 400 casting ballots—prompting DOJ scrutiny and a fresh push for the SAVE America Act. Federal Pressure on Local Voting: DOJ election monitors are credentialed for Arizona’s primary in Maricopa, Apache, and Pima counties, underscoring how federal oversight is ramping up. Prediction Markets vs. Voting Rights: Wisconsin Elections Commission warns voters they can lose eligibility if they bet on an election outcome and then vote; Kalshi calls the stance dangerous. Campaign Rules Tightened: Wyoming enforces early-voting buffer zones, limiting signs and canvassing near polling entrances. Nicaragua Ends Elections: Daniel Ortega says the country will no longer hold elections, drawing condemnation from U.S. officials. State Election Machinery Shifts: Zimbabwe plans to transfer voter registration and related functions from ZEC to the Registrar General, alongside boundary work to a delimitation commission. Local Race Fallout: Rutherford County Commissioner Romel McMurry turned himself in over campaign sign theft charges.

Election Integrity & Voter Access: Nevada’s secretary of state race spotlights a huge fundraising gap—incumbent Cisco Aguilar has about $1M on hand versus challenger Jim Marchant’s ~$14—while the GOP leans on scrutiny of voter rolls and noncitizen voting claims. Campaign Finance & Party Health: A report says the DNC required senior leaders to sign non-disclosure agreements before a private finance meeting, raising questions as Democrats face debt and a weak cash position. Democrats’ Midterm Mood: Fox News polling analysis finds voters feel economic pain and disillusionment with the system, even as Republicans try to frame the stakes for 2026. Local Voting Rules: In North Carolina, Guilford County will decide early voting sites for November amid student-voter inclusion fights after earlier state changes removed some campus locations. International Election Control: Nicaragua’s Ortega says the country will no longer hold elections, aiming to block opposition power. Campaign Controversy: Aurora’s Democratic House primary remains roiled after allegations of dark-money attack ads and racism/colorism claims. Prediction Markets & Politics: Korea’s legal gray zone is widening as prediction markets take off around elections, drawing scrutiny.

Campaign Finance Watch: In Wisconsin’s LD 28 GOP primary, incumbent Rep. David Livingston leads with the biggest cash edge, while most other candidates spent heavily on consulting instead of fundraising. Election Integrity Clash: Oregon’s secretary of state Tobias Read hit back at Trump administration election threats, saying the pressure is about making voting harder—not improving elections. Dem Primary Shakeup: Wisconsin Democrats face fallout after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exited and Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley re-entered a crowded governor primary, with critics warning it could help GOP frontrunner Tom Tiffany. GOP Legal Scrutiny: Missouri’s 6th District Republican candidate Nathan Willett faces FEC and state ethics complaints alleging he routed money from a terminated state Senate bid to his federal campaign via a nonprofit. Ballot Access & Counting: Arizona’s Tuesday primary includes guidance on drop boxes, ID rules, and “late early” ballots; Maricopa County is also changing how some mail ballots are processed to speed results. AI in Campaign Ads: Tennessee’s special election in the 6th District is drawing attention for AI-generated political ads without required disclosures. Local Politics: B.C.’s Elections BC says a recall campaign against Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie failed after organizers fell far short of signature thresholds.

Negeri Sembilan Campaign Integrity: Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan MB Aminuddin Harun urged all parties to campaign lawfully after reports of vandalism—burned flags in Palong, damaged flagpoles in Chembong, and a separate Jempol incident now under police probe—while police opened investigation papers over alleged election mischief and said permit approvals are largely in order. Local Campaign Strategy: Pakatan Harapan’s Anthony Loke said PH is tailoring outreach village-by-village in Chennah and will focus on what parties offer, with a manifesto launch slated for tonight. U.S. Election Money Watch: In Alabama’s 5th District, Andrew Sneed outraised incumbent Dale Strong in the latest FEC period, highlighting donor geography and the share of funds coming from PACs/lobbyists for Strong. Election Integrity Politics: Trump’s election-security push continues to spark backlash and debate, including claims tied to declassified documents about foreign access to voter-roll data and renewed concerns about voter suppression fears. Israel Party Primaries: Israel’s Democrats Party began virtual primaries to set its Knesset slate ahead of the Oct. 27 election, using a gender-parity “zipper” system and reserving representation for Meretz, rural and minority groups.