Zero tolerance

A former California secretary of state has published an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times endorsing Proposition 39, a ballot measure that would require government-issued identification to vote in person, or the last four digits of a government ID number for mail ballots, along with annual county reporting on citizenship verification of voter rolls.

The piece argues California's expansion of mail and ballot-collection rules since 2016 — including universal mail ballots and unrestricted third-party ballot return — has left signature matching as the primary verification method, a process the author calls inconsistent across counties and prone to erroneously flagging eligible voters. Proposition 39 would also require the state to issue free voter ID cards to those who request them, intended to address concerns that ID requirements could disproportionately burden poor, elderly or disabled voters. The measure is set to appear before California voters, and its outcome will factor into broader national debates over voter ID laws and election administration heading into upcoming election cycles.

Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Troy Jackson visited People's Inclusive Welding, a South Portland trade school, during a Labor Day weekend tour of working Mainers. Jackson praised the shop's inclusive approach and pledged support for apprenticeship programs, saying inclusion is key to improving conditions across the state and country. Shop owner Jo Remillard said the school's "inclusive" branding has complicated its eligibility for some federal workforce-training funding.

The school's handbook outlines a zero-tolerance policy covering discrimination including "fatphobia," alongside racism, sexism, and other forms of bias, and states police will not be called into the shop space. Remillard and board member Arlo Hennessey have spoken publicly about equity and representation gaps in the skilled trades.

Jackson became the Democratic nominee in July after Graham Platner withdrew amid a sexual assault allegation he denies. Jackson is challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins and has faced scrutiny over past conduct allegations and a legislative record including votes on gender-affirming care access and sex work decriminalization.