constitutional amendment
Coverage of constitutional amendment in the Nexus archive.
- Dems rally around best hope to defend governor's mansion from GOP takeover
Democrats selected Cindy Holscher as their candidate to challenge Republican Ty Masterson in Kansas' November 3 governor's race. The election follows Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's term limit and a competitive primary process with multiple candidates on both sides. A constitutional amendment to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices directly was also on the primary ballot.
- GOP dukes it out in red state primary to reclaim governor's mansion
Republican voters in Kansas selected Ty Masterson as their gubernatorial nominee for the November election to succeed term-limited Gov. Laura Kelly. The primary highlighted conservative issues and a constitutional amendment to elect Supreme Court justices directly.
- GOP dukes it out in red state primary to reclaim governor's mansion
Republican voters in Kansas selected Ty Masterson as their gubernatorial nominee to challenge the Democratic candidate in November. The race aims to succeed term-limited Gov. Laura Kelly, with Republicans seeking to reclaim the governor's mansion and Democrats hoping to retain control. The primary also addressed a Republican-backed constitutional amendment to change how Supreme Court justices are elected.
- Maryland Dems kick off latest redistricting effort after a year of infighting
Maryland Democrats initiated a special session to address redistricting after a state court blocked a 2022 map. The effort aims to create a constitutional amendment to clarify redistricting rules for congressional districts, which would require voter approval by November 2024. The amendment could enable gerrymandering to target Rep. Andy Harris, the state's only Republican congressman, though any new map would not take effect until 2028.
- Republicans want voters to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices and move court to the right
Kansas voters will decide whether to elect Supreme Court justices instead of having them appointed by the governor. Republicans support the change to shift the court rightward, citing issues like abortion and school funding, while Democrats and the current governor oppose it, warning of increased partisanship. A recent court ruling reinstating a mail ballot grace period and blocking a ban on gender-affirming care for minors has intensified the debate.
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Braces for Anti-Constitutional Amendment Protests
Zimbabwe is preparing for protests against a constitutional amendment. Anti-riot police are deployed in Harare to assess the situation for potential demonstrations or a shutdown on Friday.
- Zimbabwe: Constitutional Lawyers Confident Court Challenges to Amendment Will Succeed
Constitutional lawyers Tendai Biti and Professor Lovemore Madhuku in Zimbabwe express confidence that legal challenges against a recently enacted constitutional amendment will succeed, asserting that courts must uphold the Constitution despite concerns about judicial independence.
- Hungary’s Orbán declares resistance movement against Magyar government’s ‘tyranny’
Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party declared a peaceful resistance movement against the new Hungarian government led by Péter Magyar, criticizing a constitutional amendment that imposed a 12-year term limit for Parliament members. The amendment, passed by Magyar’s Tisza party, is claimed to dismantle checks and balances, while the new government has taken steps to remove officials and institutions associated with Orbán’s previous administration.
- DRC president agrees to open national dialogue amid mounting political pressure
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has agreed to initiate national dialogue with the political opposition amid growing pressure over proposed constitutional amendments. The move follows sustained calls from civil society groups for such discussions.
- Hungarian President Sulyok Signs Constitutional Amendment Ending His Term Prematurely
Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment ending his term early after the parliament passed it with a 139-to-6 vote. Sulyok criticized the decision as an abuse of political power but stated he signed to fulfill constitutional obligations. The amendment is part of a broader constitutional overhaul led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar's party, which holds a two-thirds majority.
- Hungary's president signs amendment ending his own term
Hungary's president, Tamas Sulyok, an ally of former PM Viktor Orban, signed a constitutional amendment ending his own term. He criticized the law, while lawmakers argued that his continued tenure had hindered national progress.
- Malaysia’s Anwar deals with another split with BN in Melaka after Johor poll rout
Malaysia’s unity government faces a split with its federal partner Barisan Nasional (BN) in Melaka after Pakatan Harapan (PH) moved into opposition there, following BN’s recent electoral victory in Johor. The split stems from a constitutional amendment allowing Melaka to appoint unelected assembly members with voting rights, which PH opposed.
- Hungary passes constitutional amendment to remove Orbán-era president
Hungary's Parliament has passed a constitutional amendment to remove the president, who is seen as a loyalist of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
- A new flood threatens Vermont: Dark money
A record $1.9 billion was spent by dark money groups in the 2024 federal elections, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. Vermonters are advocating for a constitutional amendment to limit money's influence on elections, joining 22 other states, as the Supreme Court's decisions have enabled unchecked spending by individuals, corporations, and foreign interests.
- Orbán allies protest in Hungary against plans to oust President Tamás Sulyok
Opponents of Hungary's new government gathered in Budapest to protest plans to remove President Tamás Sulyok via a constitutional amendment. The new center-right government, led by Péter Magyar, aims to dismantle former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's political influence by implementing reforms and removing appointees. Orbán and his Fidesz party claim the move threatens democratic norms, while Magyar argues Sulyok failed to uphold his presidential duties.
- Zimbabwe Extends Mnangagwa’s Rule to 2030, Ends Direct Vote
Zimbabwe's president signed a constitutional amendment on July 7 extending his rule to 2030 by lengthening presidential terms to seven years and ending direct presidential elections.
- Republican committee chair criticizes Zimbabwe leader’s power grab
Zimbabwe's Parliament approved a constitutional amendment extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term until 2030. US politicians criticized the move, with Sen. Jim Risch and Rep. Gregory Meeks accusing Mnangagwa of consolidating power and citing concerns over corruption. Mnangagwa faces existing US sanctions over corruption and human rights abuses.
- Senegal president Faye to call referendum on constitutional reform limiting his powers
Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will call a referendum on a constitutional amendment to strengthen parliament and the prime minister's powers. The National Assembly approved the reform, with around 50 opposition protesters attempting to storm the building during the vote.
- Real estate tax-cut proposal pulled from ballot in last-minute deal
A controversial real estate tax-cut proposal was removed from California’s November ballot in a last-minute compromise, replaced by a constitutional amendment requiring higher voter approval for local taxes. The deal involved Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, legislative leaders, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, who agreed to withdraw their original measure in exchange for the new amendment.
- DeWine vetoes bill requiring photo ID for mail voting in Ohio
Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed House Bill 472 in Ohio, which would have required photo ID for mail voting. He cited challenges for voters and unnecessary restrictions, as bipartisan elections officials and the Ohio chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons opposed the bill. The veto can be overridden by the legislature.
- Lumbee Tribe denies amending its constitution for future casino
The Lumbee Tribe denied amending its constitution for a future casino. The vote was described as historic and linked to economic development and tribal sovereignty.
- Missouri promised automatic marijuana expungements. Some records may remain uncleared
Missouri courts were supposed to automatically expunge eligible marijuana misdemeanors by June 8, 2023, but the Missouri State Highway Patrol claims hundreds of thousands may still exist on records. A St. Louis man's case highlighted inconsistencies in the expungement process, with courts offering no clear solution for missed cases.
- Democrats want California voters to give them more flexibility over spending
The California Legislature will vote on a constitutional amendment to modify a spending limit and grant lawmakers greater flexibility in allocating state revenue. Democrats are advocating for this change to provide more control over budgetary decisions.
- Democrats want California voters to give them more flexibility over spending
The California Legislature is set to vote on a constitutional amendment to amend a spending limit and provide lawmakers with greater flexibility in appropriating state revenue.
- Missouri judge finds state laws restricting abortion violate voter-approved constitutional amendment
A Missouri judge ruled that state laws restricting abortion violate a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2024. The decision struck down multiple abortion restrictions under the amendment's provisions.
- Same-day voter registration bill fails in the Delaware House, other voting legislation advances
Delaware lawmakers failed to pass a constitutional amendment allowing same-day voter registration, which requires two-thirds House support. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Bush, failed along party lines with 26 Democrats voting yes and 13 Republicans and one Democrat voting no. Bush plans to reintroduce the measure before the legislative session ends.
- Hungary moves to limit PMs' terms in office, blocking Orban's return
Hungary's lawmakers voted to introduce term-limits for prime ministers, capping their time in office at eight years via a constitutional amendment. The vote occurred in the Parliament building in Budapest on June 15, 2026.
- NASS Roundup: State police, minority leadership, public safety, others top stories from the House of Reps
The House of Representatives marked its third legislative anniversary, having made decisions on state policing, national security, parliamentary leadership, and transportation safety. It also set the stage for constitutional amendment debates to resume in July.
- DeSantis quibbles with Legislature’s changes to his property tax cut
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis plans to call a special legislative session in fall 2026 to reintroduce portions of his property tax cut proposal if a constitutional amendment passes in November. The amendment, which increases homestead exemptions and limits future tax assessments, was modified by the Legislature to exclude school tax impacts and remove provisions like a $500,000 exemption cap and a state trust fund for local governments.
- Whether New Orleans can replace lead pipes for drinking water up to voters statewide
New Orleans aims to replace lead pipes in private homes using federal funds, but a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval in November could determine its feasibility. The proposal by Sen. Royce Duplessis seeks to allow the Sewerage and Water Board to use public money for lead pipe removal, addressing a health risk linked to aging infrastructure.
- AP Decision Notes: What to expect in North Dakota’s state primary
North Dakota's state primary includes a U.S. House race with Julie Fedorchak facing Alex Balazs, a mayoral election in Fargo, and a constitutional amendment proposal. Most statewide offices are unopposed, and the election will use a nonpartisan mayoral race format due to recent changes in voting rules.
- Pakistan Kashmir’s top court upholds refugee seats and clears the way for upcoming elections
Pakistan-administered Kashmir's top court ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The decision clears the way for upcoming elections.
- State Board of Education warns proposed NC teacher pay plan leaves veterans behind
The North Carolina State Board of Education expressed concerns that a proposed teacher pay plan disproportionately benefits early-career teachers over veterans, with raises front-loaded for newcomers and minimal increases for those with 15–24 years of experience. The plan, costing $528 million, aims for an average 8% raise over two years, raising starting pay to $48,000 but maintaining existing pay structures for veterans.
- Opinions expected
The Supreme Court is expected to release opinions on Thursday, followed by a private conference. House Republicans advanced a constitutional amendment to cap the number of justices at nine. The Trump administration announced new tariffs and challenged a court order requiring refunds for illegal tariffs.
- Florida homeowners may get a major tax break — but there’s a catch for newcomers
Florida homeowners may receive a major tax break through a constitutional amendment backed by DeSantis, which will be on the November 2026 general election ballot. However, the amendment includes a catch for newcomers to the state.
- New York Democrats introduce redistricting measure that could add four House seats in 2028
New York Democrats introduced a redistricting measure that could add four House seats to their congressional delegation by 2028, following a failed attempt earlier this year to redraw voting districts. The proposal aims to use a constitutional amendment to enable mid-decade redistricting and require only a simple majority vote.
- Gov. Landry asks lawmakers to pull $168M from school districts for teacher pay
Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order requesting lawmakers to allocate $168 million from K-12 public schools to fund teacher and support staff stipends for the 2026-2027 school year. The plan requires two-thirds legislative approval and aims to prevent pay cuts after a budget shortfall and rejection of a constitutional amendment for salary increases.
- Florida Republicans work on DeSantis’s property tax cut ballot measure
Florida Legislature is in a special session to address Gov. Ron DeSantis's proposed property tax cut, which aims to increase homestead exemptions from $50,000 to $250,000. The plan includes a constitutional amendment requiring 60% voter approval and a residency rule for new homeowners, while concerns about budget shortfalls for schools and local services have been raised. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to secure funding for public school districts.
- If Ohio’s the election ‘gold standard,’ why are lawmakers going for desperate, duplicative changes?
Ohio lawmakers are fast-tracking a constitutional amendment to duplicate existing voter ID laws, urged by Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The rushed effort aims to enshrine the state's strict photo ID requirements in the constitution, despite the law already being in place since 2023. The article questions the political motives behind the move, suggesting it is a strategic bid to boost turnout in the 2026 election.
- Gov. Landry proposes moving $150 million from public school funds to avoid teacher pay cut
Gov. Jeff Landry proposes reallocating $150 million from the Minimum Foundation Program, a public school funding formula, to prevent a $2,000 teacher stipend cut. The plan requires an executive order and legislative approval, but the funds would come from non-instructional programs, potentially affecting some non-classroom staff. The Louisiana Federation of Teachers expressed cautious optimism.