NewsBreak Original

When you think about ancient Sparta as a society, one of the last things you would think about when you look at this old nation is democracy. While limited, however, there was a democratic process that did exist at some point in ancient Sparta. Ancient Sparta as the city-state we know a lot about started around 900 BCE according to Sparta and Lakonia: A Regional History 1300 to 362 BC by Paul Cartledge. However, something interesting happened in Sparta as recently as the year 700 BCE in the ancient city-state - a form of limited democracy was implemented to give some of the people in Sparta a say in how they were governed!

TALLAHASSEE, FL. - Before the Presidential Election in 2024, Florida may alter its rules for mail-in ballots. A list of possible changes has been compiled by the office of Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, and the Republican-led Legislature may implement them this spring. However, the department's 60-page report to state lawmakers does not recommend any new identification requirements, which the state's local election supervisors strongly oppose.

"Harris Co. election ballot paper shortage far bigger than initially estimated. It's so big it may have altered the outcome of elections. It may necessitate new elections. It WILL necessitate new LAWS that prevent Harris Co. from ever doing this again." Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

AUSTIN, TX. - The Texas Legislature is considering numerous bills to restrict or expand voter access in the state. These bills come amid a national conversation about election security and voter fraud, with Republicans pushing for stricter measures while Democrats are advocating for easier access to the ballot box. However, despite claims of widespread fraud, such incidents are considered uncommon according to nearly all standards.

MONTPELIER, VT. - On Friday, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled in favor of Montpelier allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. This ruling overturned a veto issued by Governor Phil Scott in 2021 and marked the first time that noncitizens turned out to vote in Montpelier elections.

MONMOUTH COUNTY, N.J. - An election tabulation error has caused quite a stir in Monmouth County, New Jersey, potentially reversing the outcome of a school board race and prompting calls for an investigation.

ANNAPOLIS, MD. - Every election cycle, the issue of voting rights for non-citizens becomes a heated topic in the United States. Some argue that non-citizens should not be allowed to vote in federal, state, or local elections as they are not citizens and do not hold political power. In contrast, others believe allowing them to exercise their right to vote would benefit the country.

AUSTIN, TX. - In Texas, Republican lawmakers have been pushing for greater voting restrictions and harsher penalties for illegal voting. Some see the legislation as a way to suppress the votes of marginalized communities. In contrast, others argue that the measures are necessary to protect the integrity of elections and ensure fair results.

The Prime Minister has warned against "inflammatory statements about the civil war and the collapse of the state" and has insisted that the coalition's election campaign made clear its aim to rein in the judiciary.

Today is the anniversary of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. On January 6th, 2021, a treasonous mob assembled at our Capitol and attempted to undermine a fair election with acts of violence, destruction of property, and threats of murder.

On the first day of Congress, the House of Representatives has its usual show and makes a short-term promise that this Congress will work better than the last one. If the House fails to pick a speaker on the first vote this year and a floor brawl breaks out that is unparalleled in modern history, that optimism might be destroyed instantly.

Described as the largest incident of voting-day violence in United States history by the Orange County Regional History Center, the horrific Ocoee Massacre was a mass racial violent event that took the lives of dozens of black people. Hundreds of others were forced to flee bullets and burning homes with their lives.

Even those of you who don’t like me can probably agree that it will be a relief when the election is over. I know I’m tired of getting phone calls. I’m tired of watching deceitful political ads. I’m tired of millionaires asking me for money.

In yet another blow to the idea that the 2020 election was somehow stolen, and after more than 60 other court cases have been heard and decided, the Supreme Court of the United States has again weighed in by refusing to hear a case alleging that Dominion’s voting systems are “intentionally and purposefully designed with inherent errors to create systemic fraud and influence election results.”

I think it’s weird when people say you shouldn’t let politics get in the way of your relationships with family or friends. Everything you do in life has consequences. If you do something that hurts a friend or a family member, you deserve to lose that relationship.

Today is election day. It’s scary to think how many Americans will go out and vote based on what they’ve heard in political ads. In modern society, too many Americans get their information from digital devices rather than reliable sources.

Another election has come and gone, and here I am guessing that we’re all going to be stuck dealing with more of the same. The voting public handed our politicians just enough power so that they can block each other from doing anything. Maybe that’s for the best, or maybe it’s not, who knows?

As I sit here writing this, I wonder about the people who picked their loyalty to the 45th president over their loyalty to friends and family. How are they feeling in light of the lukewarm response to the announcement that another campaign has begun?

One of the biggest issues in modern American politics is election security. There has been a lawsuit filed in response to the Arizona election for governor. Making claims of election fraud is playing with fire. There have been many instances of this since the 2020 election. In my opinion, claiming that an election was rigged without evidence is an example of weakness. It’s just making excuses for poor performance.