Two men, one armed, who filmed voters dropping off ballots in Littleton on Nov. 2 were first amendment auditors and not cited by police, city and county officials said.

The men, whose names were not immediately available, drew the attention of county staff as they filmed voters dropping off ballots outside the Arapahoe County administration building on South Prince Street, said county spokesperson Luc Hatlestad. One of the men was carrying a holstered handgun and wearing a tactical vest, Hatlestad said.

Our staff asked them what was going on, and someone inside the building called police, Hatlestad said.

Responding officers determined the men were first amendment auditors, said Cmdr. Trent Cooper, Littleton Police Department spokesman.

First amendment auditors are activists who film encounters with public officials, according to the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency, or CIRSA.

If the encounter results in an actual or perceived violation of the auditor's First Amendment or other protected rights, then the video likely will be posted on social media and/or serve as the basis for a claim or suit, a CIRSA memo on the phenomenon reads in part. A violation may come about if the auditor is denied the right to take photos or videos in a public place, or is detained for `suspicious' activity or other reasons.

Cooper said the men appeared to clearly understand the limits of their legal rights, and that it's not against the law to open carry guns or film people outside a government building.

Colorado law makes it illegal to impede, prevent, or otherwise interfere with the free exercise of the elective franchise of any elector.

Hatlestad said three voters came inside the building to report the men outside, but he was not aware of any voters who were intimidated out of dropping off ballots.

Police are not aware of the men speaking to any voters or stopping any voters from dropping off their ballots, Cooper said.

The goal of these guys is to get people to violate their rights, Cooper said. This guy's carrying a gun, wearing tactical gear he knows that's going to make people uncomfortable. It's an attempt to elicit a confrontation. If nobody takes the bait, eventually they get bored and leave, which is essentially what happened here.

Police did not ask the men to leave, Cooper said, though they eventually left on their own after about an hour.

A spokesman for Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the incident is under investigation.

The Colorado Secretary of State's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

First amendment auditors have made headlines many times in Colorado in recent years, including for disrupting city council meetings, winning settlements for wrongful detention, and in one instance, allegedly threatening to kill a judge.

Hatlestad said anyone who sees anything suspicious at a ballot drop box or polling place should report it to elections officials on site or call the voter hotline at 303-795-4511.

Here is the original post:

Men filming voters in Littleton were 'first amendment auditors,' police say - Englewood Herald

From MPD:

On Tuesday, November 3, 2020 and Wednesday, November 4, 2020, multiple First Amendment demonstrations are scheduled to occur in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with this event, there will be parking restriction and potential street closures that motorists should take into consideration:

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. to Wednesday, November 4, 2020 11:59 p.m:

Constitution Avenue, NW from 9th Street, NW to 18th Street, NWPennsylvania Avenue, NW from 9th Street, NW to 18th Street, NWConnecticut Avenue, NW from H Street, NW to L Street, NWVermont Avenue from H Street, NW to L Street, NWF Street from 18th Street, NW to 9th Street, NWG Street from 18th Street, NW to 9th Street, NWI Street from 18th Street, NW to 9th Street, NWH Street from 18th Street, NW to 9th Street, NWK Street from 18th Street, NW to 9th Street, NWNew York Avenue, NW from 18th Street, NW to 9th Street, NW17th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to L Street, NW

(to include both sides of Farragut Square)

16th Street From H Street, NW to L Street, NW15th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to L Street, NW

(to include both sides of McPherson Square)

14th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to L Street, NW13th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to L Street, NW12th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to L Street, NW11th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to L Street, NW10th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to L Street, NWC Street, NW from 18th Street, NW to 17th Street, NWD Street, NW from 18th Street, NW to 17th Street, NW

While the Metropolitan Police Department does not anticipate street closures, there is the potential for intermittent closures in the downtown area of the District of Columbia. Any decision to close a street will be based upon public safety.

Originally posted here:

"On Tuesday, November 3, 2020 and Wednesday, November 4, 2020, multiple First Amendment demonstrations are scheduled to occur in the District of...

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) State officials say more than 600 people were cited and released overnight in Minneapolis after protesters walked onto Interstate 94 and were circled by law enforcement officers, who cited demonstrators one-by-one, blocking the freeway for several hours.

The Minnesota Department of Public safety says that Minneapolis police officers and state troopers cited and released 646 people for being a pedestrian on a freeway and public nuisance. Six vehicles were also impounded. In a statement Thursday morning, officials noted that its illegal and dangerous for pedestrians to walk on a freeway.

We respect the right of everyone to express themselves under the First Amendment, but the freeway is not a place to do that, the State Patrol tweeted Wednesday night.

RELATED: Demonstrators Arrested After Hundreds Walk Onto I-94 In Protest Of Election

Unlike confrontations between protesters and law enforcement earlier this year following the death of George Floyd, officers did not use force or chemical irritants. No one was hurt, officials say. Indeed, the tone of the protest was such that while detained for hours, the protesters started a dance party.

Earlier in the evening, two groups of protesters, organized by the Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar and other groups, began marching on Minneapolis streets, demanding racial justice and decrying President Donald Trumps efforts to steal the election. Organizers said they had planned to demonstrate regardless of who won the White House.

Around 7:40 p.m., the demonstrators marched onto eastbound Interstate 94 near Cedar Avenue, where they were met by law enforcement, who closed the freeway between Interstate 35W and Highway 280. Police and state troopers encircled the protesters and processed them one-by-one, allowing those with children to go first.

Although the protesters were near the freeway exit, they were not allowed to simply walk away. Neither were members of the media covering the protest. It wasnt until after 1 a.m. that the last of the protesters were released and the freeway was reopened to traffic.

More onWCCO.com

In a statement Thursday morning, the organizers of the protest demanded that any charges against the protesters be dropped, arguing that law enforcement violated their First Amendment rights. They also called for all impounded vehicles to be released without fees.

WCCO-TVs Jennifer Mayerle reports that law enforcements response to the protest had been planned for weeks as officials feared possible unrest stemming from the presidential election.

Visit link:

More Than 600 Protesters Cited Overnight In Minneapolis After Walking Onto I-94 - CBS Minnesota

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) The City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh was the site of multiple rallies on Wednesday.

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

A Dont Let Trump Steal The Election rally began outside the building Wednesday. Organizers said theyre concerned that President Donald Trump wont respect elections results if he loses.

The group left the courthouse around 6 p.m. and began marching through downtown Pittsburgh. The peaceful rally ended around 8 p.m., but a small group broke off and continued marching. Pittsburgh Public Safety says three people were arrested.

Officials say the group overturned garbage cans, knocked over traffic signs and one person spray-painted the City-County Building.

Public Safety respects everyones First Amendment rights, but causing destruction will not be tolerated, Pittsburgh Public Safety said on Twitter.

There was a heavy police presence at the City-County Building following the incident.

Around 4 p.m., several organizations joined forces to demand that every vote is counted following Election Day. Groups like Pittsburgh United, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania and several faith-based groups were downtown to push the message that every single vote in Pennsylvania needs to be counted.

Organizers say the election has been driven by misinformation and contradictory reports from the beginning. Organizers also say people need to decide who their leaders are.

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Every voice needs to be heard. Democracy only works when all of us are included, said Jennifer Rafanan Kennedy, an organizer from PA United.

WATCH: KDKAs Amy Wadas Has More

KDKA talked to some business owners who boarded up their storefronts just in case rallies get out of control. They said it is better to be safe than sorry.

Stay with KDKA for more on this developing story.

For comprehensive coverage of all things election-related in Pennsylvania, visit KDKAs 2020 Election Guide.

For live results of all election races in Pennsylvania, visit KDKAs 2020 General Election results page.

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Rally In Pittsburgh Calls For Every Vote To Count; 3 Arrested After Group Breaks Off From Demonstration - CBS Pittsburgh

AUBURN, Ala (EETV) - The Alabama Election and the amendment voting has ended, here is a more in depth analysis of the election and an explanation of each amendment.

There are two newcomers to the Alabama House of Representatives lineup, Jerry Carl in the First Congressional District and Barry Moore in the Second Congressional District. They take the spots of Bradley Byrne and Martha Roby.

Winners:

Robert Aderholt, he won a 13th term in Congress in the Fourth District which includes Gadsden, Albertville, Cullman, Jasper and parts of Tuscaloosa.

Mo Brooks, he won his sixth term in Congress in the Fifth District which includes Huntsville, Decatur, and Florence.

Jerry Carl, he defeated the incumbent James Averhart for the First District which includes Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope and Gulf Shores.

Barry Moore, he defeated Phyllis Harvey-Hall in the Second District which includes Montgomery, Dothan and Troy.

Gary Palmer, he ran unopposed in the Sixth District which includes parts of Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Clanton and Oneonta.

Mike Rogers, he defeated Aida Winfrey for a 10th term in Congress. He represents the Third District which includes Anniston, Talladega, and the Auburn-Opelika Area.

Terri Sewell, the lone democrat who ran unopposed won her sixth term in Congress. She represents the Seventh District which includes parts of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Demopolis and Thomasville.

The winner of the Senate race is Tommy Tuberville who defeated the incumbent, Doug Jones. Tuberville was a coach for the Auburn Tigers from 1999 to 2008.

The First Amendment which states limiting Alabama voting to U.S. Citizens passed. The Second Amendment which states that there will be changes to the state's judicial article has failed. The Third Amendment which appoints judges for longer term passed. The Fourth Amendment which removes racist, outdated, duplicative language from the Alabama Constitution has passed. The Fifth and Sixth Amendment states that in Florence and Lauderdale counties would allow the use of deadly force to protect church attendees and employees has passed.

See more here:

Alabama Election Results and Amendments - Eagle Eye TV

ST. CHARLES Debate ebbed back and forth to ensure wording was just right, but messengers voted to approve four resolutions during the Missouri Baptist Conventions annual meeting, Oct. 26 and 27 here.

Resolution 1 was a standard courtesy resolution expressing thanks to the local arrangements committee and the convention center staff, but Resolutions 2, 3 and 4 were more weighty.

Resolution 2 dealt with the restoration of resident rights. Authored by the MBC Christian Life Commission, this resolution denounced Centers for Disease Control and Department of Health and Senior Services regulations that kept clergy from ministering to nursing home residents. It affirmed those residents First Amendment rights.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated COVID-19 restrictions, Sept. 17, expanding guidelines for compassionate care visits at long-term care facilities.

What that means is significant, Rodney Harrison, president of The Baptist Home, told The Pathway at the time. Not only does it give provision for families to have greater access to their loved ones, but it also includes pastors among the essential individuals and personnel that can come and visit residents in the nursing home.

The updated guidelines read, Also, in addition to family members, compassionate care visits can be conducted by any individual that can meet the residents needs, such as clergy or lay persons offering religious and spiritual support.

Prior to this update from the CMS, Harrison expressed his deep concern that COVID-19 restrictions had robbed First Amendment rights from long-term care residents, forcing them to face isolation and loneliness amid the pandemic, without any pastoral care.

Resolution 3 dealt with abolishing abortion. The MBC has a very long and consistent history of pro-life resolutions. This resolution was not reported out by the MBC Resolutions Committee, but after an appeal by the resolutions author, Timothy Faber of Aurora Springs Baptist Church, Eldon, messengers voted to allow the resolution to be heard and debated. The subsequent debate centered around the resolutions call for the total ending of abortion and phrases like, we will not embrace an incremental approach to ending abortion and without exception or compromise. (The Resolutions Committee noted Missouri Baptists history of supporting an exception to save the life of a mother.)

Faber spoke on behalf of his resolution, saying, Missouri Baptists should continue to take the lead in this effort to preserve life.

With all of the incrementalism weve had, weve yet to fully accomplish our goal, he said.

The Committee on Resolutions voiced its agreement that abortion must be abolished, but moved to amend the resolution, striking four paragraphs of the 19-paragaph resolution. Those paragraphs dealt with incrementalism; calling for, in the words of the committee, women who have abortions to be charged with murder; and not accepting any exceptions.

Messengers accepted those amendments, and ultimately passed the resolution. Later, Doug Richey, messenger from Pisgah Baptist Church, sought to re-visit the already-passed resolution. He argued that the wording as passed still looked down on any effort to restrict or limit abortion that fell short of total abolition. For example, he said, the Missouri General Assemblys passage of a Heartbeat Bill in 2019 which bans abortion in the state once an unborn babys heartbeat is detectable would be unacceptable under the wording. Richey, who serves as a state representative for parts of Clay County, himself voted for that bill, which was widely praised by pro-life advocates. President Jeremy Muniz ruled that out of order, but a challenge came from Vic Borden, Red Bridge Baptist Church, Kansas City. The messengers voted to reconsider, and the Resolutions Committee met with Richey and Faber to further clarify the language. Messengers then voted to approve the second amendment, though the committee noted Faber had some further concerns about the resolution.

Resolution 4 dealt with the use of products that come from fetal tissue research. This resolution was not reported out by the MBC Resolutions Committee, but after an appeal by the resolutions author, Michael Wilbanks of Faith Baptist, Festus, messengers voted to allow the resolution to be heard and debated.

The subsequent debate centered around the resolutions call for the rejection of certain products derived from fetal tissue research, including vaccines. The Resolutions Committee supported all but the final paragraph, saying it did not allow for previously existing (as opposed to currently produced) lines of cells to be used and explaining that certain vaccines required for international missionaries travel have used these cell lines.

Wilbanks spoke on behalf of his resolution, saying Missouri Baptists are decidedly against abortion, and decidedly against fetal tissue research.

This is not something were debating, he said. We should reject anything that comes from the research of fetal tissue that comes from abortion, no matter what comes from it.

Debate about missionaries and vaccine alternatives followed with one unnamed messenger noting the disagreements all seems to be about the wording of the resolution, not the heart. The resolution passed by a paper ballot: 242 votes for, 175 against.

Those serving on the Committee on Resolutions were: Don Colborn, Calvary Baptist, Hannibal, chair; Chad McMath, First Baptist, Monroe City; Colton Strother, First Baptist, De Soto; Allyson Todd, Wornall Road, Kansas City; Jake Wright, First Baptist, Carthage.

Read more:

Messengers sweat the details in pro-life resolutions' wording - The Pathway

As the country waited to hear who won the vote in the presidential election in key states, Illinois and Chicago-area voters had few surprises Tuesday night and into Wednesday, though some races and ballot measures are still undecided.

Fresh off spending $58 million of his fortune in a losing effort to pass a graduated-rate income tax, a frustrated Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday said painful budget cuts are coming and suggested an attempt to raise taxes could come as soon as two weeks.

Meanwhile, Republican Jim Oberweis claimed victory in the 14th Congressional District campaign against first-term Rep. Lauren Underwood. But with an undetermined number of mail-in votes still to be counted, the incumbent Democrat said it is premature for anyone to declare victory.

Also on Wednesday, freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten declared victory over Republican challenger Jeanne Ives in a west and northwest suburban congressional race. Ives conceded defeat.

Heres where key races in Illinois stand Wednesday evening:

Here are the latest election updates from across the Chicago area and Illinois:

7:50 p.m.: Tense moments in the Loop when some protesters walk down State Street

As a rally and march ended in the Loop, a small group of about a hundred people remained at Daley Plaza and got into a tense argument with police officers when they tried to walk down the middle of State Street.

Several protesters yelled at the police while screaming obscenities about President Trump and Vice President Pence.

Dozens of officers on bicycles surrounded the group, and the demonstrators were allowed to gather on the sidewalk near Macys. No arrests were reported as of 7:45 p.m.

7:25 p.m.: Still out of power, Illinois GOP rides voter dissatisfaction with state government to deal Pritzker, Madigan defeats

Heading into Tuesday, some Illinois Republicans privately feared Democrats would wipe them out as the states voters repudiated four years of President Donald Trump.

Instead, voters delivered a repudiation of Illinois government, spurred by amped-up Trump supporters, a billionaire benefactor, concern over high taxes, a House speaker caught up in a federal investigation and recently reinstituted pandemic restrictions due to renewed cases of COVID-19.

It was a confluence of factors and timing that may serve as a warning shot as Democratic efforts to grow into an even bigger political force in Illinois stalled out. Sure, Democrats still control Springfield, but a state GOP thats known mostly failure for nearly 20 years was able to deal Gov. J.B. Pritzker and House Speaker Michael Madigan stinging defeats.

7 p.m.: Voters in suburbs show support at polls for recreational marijuana sales.

The area they live in was once a bastion of conservatism, but nearly two-thirds of voters in northwest suburban Mount Prospect on Tuesday supported allowing marijuana sales in the village.

The village was one of six suburbs along with Batavia, Glen Ellyn, Elk Grove Village, Park Ridge and Wilmette where advisory referendums showed majority support for allowing sales. The one exception was west suburban Western Springs, where 60% of voters rejected the idea.

6:45 p.m.: On their way from Daley Plaza to Grant Park, protesters chant, HEY HEY! HO HO! DONALD TRUMP HAS GO TO GO!

Hundreds of protesters chanted and played music as they marched through the Loop Wednesday night, opposed to Republican efforts to stop the counting of votes in the presidential election.

HEY HEY! HO HO! DONALD TRUMP HAS GO TO GO! marchers chanted.

Two women on a float overlooking Daley Plaza shouted, HEY HEY! HO HO! TRUMP AND PENCE HAS GOT TO GO!Other chants included, WHOSE GOT THE POWER?! WEVE GOT THE POWER!

The march began east from the Daley Center along Washington Street to Michigan Avenue, then headed north on Michigan to Wacker Drive. From there, the marchers walked west to LaSalle Street, south along LaSalle to Jackson Boulevard, then east along Jackson to Grant Park.

Chicago police officers on foot, bicycles and in cars monitored the march as it moved slowly through the Loop.

At Daley Plaza, Deborah Howell was promoting wage equality for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. But she acknowledged the rally during an historic week like this was a great opportunity to fight for other causes.

Too many homeless. Too many, you know, young women out here and their kids, theyre fighting to get child support, said Howell. Too many juveniles locked up. And then with this virus, thats really the problem. Weve got young kids in jail getting it because somebody (transmitted it) to the jail.

Like many Americans, Howell was anxious about the final results, a full day since most polls closed.

Its taking too long! she said with a chuckle. Im waiting!

Asked whether she supports one candidate over the other, she replied, "Not Trump. No, I cant do it. How did that man become president the way he talks to people. We are not idiots.

6:40 p .m.: Loop march: Cowbells, the Doobie Brothers and the need to witness history

To the sound of cowbells and the Doobie Brothers' Taking it to the Streets, a diverse crowd of more than 200 protesters stepped off from Daley Plaza and circled the Loop Wednesday night before ending the march in Grant Park, as Chicago police officers stood along boarded up shops on Michigan Avenue.

Speakers at the peaceful event addressed many the issues that defined the presidential campaign, including systemic racism, police brutality and President Trumps handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stakes, they said, were too high to allow Trump to halt the counting of legally cast ballots, as his campaign has done in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

We wont stop until every vote is counted, said Erica Bland-Durosinmi, executive vice-president of SEIU healthcare.

Adrian Madison, 35, and her friend, a first-time voter, said they came to the demonstration from the South Side to show their support for Democratic challenger Joe Biden and to be with others as the votes are tallied into the night.

This is history, Madison said. We are citizens. We have a right to protest to make our voices heard.

Sammy Lines, 72, a volunteer with the group RefuseFacism said shes been waiting four years for a new president. She sighed when asked about the number of voters who turned out to support Trumps re-election bid.

He needs to lose she said. He needs to be out of office. He needs to be out in of the White House.

She hoped there would be clearer results nearly 24 hours after polls closed, but understood that ballots cast early or by mail take time to be counted.

Just before she spoke, several rows of demonstrators marched into the plaza, banging on drums and chanting Trump, Pence out now!

Wednesdays rally was a far cry from one that took place the day after 2016s election, when thousands of protesters converged on Trump Tower, shouting Not my president.

Stacy St. Clair, Elyssa Cherney, Jeremy Gorner

6:25 p.m.: A peaceful crowd marches through the Loop to demand every vote be counted

As the nation awaited the final results of the presidential election, Englewood resident Shasta Jones stood among a few hundred people in Daley Plaza Wednesday night, holding up a protest sign against Republican efforts to stop the vote count before Democratic challenger can clinch a win.

Its the whole reason Im here, said Jones, standing with hundreds of face masked protesters on an unseasonably warm November night in the Loop. "Im a mother and this situation weighs heavy on me. And at the same time, it also drives me.

I want my children to be safe. I want them to be healthy. I want a future for them thats fair, she said.

6:05 p.m.: Pritzker warns there will be cuts, and they will be painful after graduated-rate income tax proposal fails at the ballot box

Fresh off spending $58 million of his fortune in a losing effort to pass a graduated-rate income tax, a frustrated Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday said painful budget cuts are coming and suggested an attempt to raise taxes could come as soon as two weeks.

Pritzker lashed out at Republicans, business groups and Ken Griffin, Illinois' richest man, accusing opponents of distorting the truth about what the amendment would have done.

There will be cuts, and they will be painful, Pritzker said Wednesday at his daily coronavirus briefing. And the worst thing is, the same billionaires who lied to you about the fair tax are more than happy to hurt our public schools, shake the foundations of our cities, and diminish our state. Maybe because they think it wont hurt them.

Now Pritzker, the billionaire Hyatt Hotels heir who made a graduated income tax the centerpiece of his campaign for governor, and lawmakers are left with a limited menu of politically perilous options to stabilize the states chronically precarious finances. Their main choices: raise taxes on everyone, regardless of income; make significant cuts to spending on programs like education and social services; or both.

5:32 p.m.: Oberweis claims victory, but Underwood says thousands of votes remain uncounted in razor-thin 14th District race

With a razor-thin lead, Republican Jim Oberweis claimed victory Wednesday in the 14th Congressional District campaign against first-term Rep. Lauren Underwood.

But with an undetermined number of mail-in votes still to be counted, the incumbent Democrat said it is premature for anyone to declare victory. The two candidates are separated by a mere 895 votes after the tallies of the votes received and counted so far, according to unofficial results.

4:11 p.m.: Graduated income tax amendment voted down across the state

In order to become law, J.B. Pritzkers proposed graduated income tax amendment needed either 60% support among those voting directly on the question or more than 50% support of those voting in the election.

Unofficial voting totals show it falling short on both measures.

Voters across Illinois voted down the amendment, according to Associated Press data, with the exception of Cook County which was 62.3% for. Champaign County was a tie.

Jonathon Berlin and Jemal R. Brinson

1:16 p.m.: After winning second term, Democratic Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx thanks supporters and promises to continue reform efforts

Democratic Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx on Wednesday thanked supporters for delivering her a second term and promised to continue criminal justice reform efforts aimed at keeping communities safe.

Foxx took a reelection victory lap on Wednesday, with a handful of media interviews, after withstanding a challenge from Republican former Cook County Judge Pat OBrien.

She dismissed criticism over this years rising violent crime and her offices handling of the Jussie Smollett case, saying in an interview with WGN-TV that while her office could have better handled the former Empire actors case, voters trusted her to deliver a criminal justice system that serves the everyday citizen and not just celebrities. She defended her offices backing of sweeping bail reforms by pointing out violent crime went down during the first three years of her term.

No question 2020 has presented a number of challenges, but we cant be overly simplistic and try to find a singular source when we know that this is a complicated issue, Foxx said.

11:01 a.m.: DuPage still has 30,000 mail-in ballots outstanding, but in-person votes counted

DuPage County has about 2,500 provisional ballots that are being processed Wednesday, Nov. 4, while all early voting and ballots cast on Election Day have been counted, unless there was a question and the ballot became provisional.

There might be a small number of absentee ballots, but most people who did not want to vote in person used a mail-in ballot, as opposed to absentee this year.

Patrick Bond, special counsel to the DuPage County election division, said those ballots should be included in vote totals by 4 p.m. Wednesday.

However, the county has until Nov. 14 to process all the provisional ballots.

Ballots mailed in must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by the county by Nov. 10.

There are nearly 30,000 mail-in ballots that have not been returned yet.

10:21 a.m.: Chicago-area voters' Wednesday morning mood: From optimism to nerves to 'grim forebearance

The poll numbers didnt look great for President Donald Trump as Election Day approached, but a different metric gave Frank Adams hope: Every weekend, the pro-Trump car rallies he helped to organize in the Chicago suburbs grew larger.

So with the presidential election still undecided Wednesday morning, Adams, a retired businessman who lives in Warrenville, said hes optimistic and praying that Trump will prevail.

I feel, and a lot of my friends do, too, that the Republicans are the party for the American people, he said. They put America first. And I think Americans are tired of the politicians who have been in the system for life and gotten rich off our tax dollars.

Meanwhile, Mawuli Agbefe, a debate coach at Evanston Township High School, is cautiously confident Joe Biden will edge out Trump when all the votes are counted.

I think Biden will actually win, but it is surprising that so many people are supporting Trump in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. For people to say, Yeah, this is the guy who should be leading the country for another four years, is a little alarming.

9:34 a.m.: Pritzker-funded group concedes defeat on Illinois graduated income tax amendment, throwing future of state finances in doubt

The group backed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker to pitch his proposal to enact a graduates state income tax in Illinois acknowledged the constitutional amendments defeat Wednesday and warned of a financial morass as a result of the rejection of the proposed constitutional amendment.

We are undoubtedly disappointed with this result but are proud of the millions of Illinoisans who cast their ballots in support of tax fairness in this election, said Quentin Fulks, chair of the Pritzker-funded Vote Yes for Fairness group.

Now lawmakers must address a multi-billion dollar budget gap without the ability to ask the wealthy to pay their fair share. Fair Tax opponents must answer for whatever comes next, Fulks said, pointing the finger at Republican legislators and their billionaire allies who opposed it.

9:15 a.m.: Lightfoot heartened by Chicagos reaction while waiting for outcome of presidential race

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who deployed extra police officers and city trucks around Chicago in case of riots and looting, released a statement mid-morning praising the city for remaining peaceful as presidential election votes come in.

As we anxiously await the outcome of the presidential and other races, I am heartened that our city remains calm and peaceful. This election has generated a lot of emotions on all sides. There will be a lot of chatter until the election results are verified, but it is crucial for us as a city to be focused and diligent to be sure, but also calm and peaceful, Lightfoot said. Lets channel our emotions into a productive expression of our First Amendment rights. No matter the outcome, we will get through this by remaining together, as neighbors who need each other and love our great city and country.

Lightfoot also praised Chicagos Board of Elections and voters for a near-historic turnout.

We have much to be proud of as a city, she said.

Stay up to date with the latest information on the election with our breaking news alerts.

Link:

Illinois election live updates: Get the latest news here - Chicago Tribune

DOWNTOWN The citys emergency management agency is alerting residents to possible election night protests throughout the city. But so far, many activist groups have not signaled any plans to demonstrate.

Chicagos Office of Emergency Management and Communications alerted residents Tuesday afternoon of expected protest activity at six locations.

People should expect possible traffic disruptions and protests at Federal Plaza, Millennium Park, Hyde Park, Union Park, Wrigley Field and Palmer Square Park, according to the alerts.

City officials have been preparing for possible election-related protests, but most activist groups in the city have not announced plans for election night activity.

Organizers for some groups, including GoodKids MadCity, said they are not planning election night protests, although some are scheduled for Wednesday.

Despite that, some businesses have boarded up their windows and doors ahead of election results.

As polls closed Tuesday, city officials raised the Wabash Avenue bridge over the Chicago River to prevent access to Trump Tower. Police officials in tweets showed officers stationed throughout the city.

An OEMC spokesperson said in a statement there are a small number of demonstrations that we are aware of and officials are committed to protecting residents First Amendment Right to peacefully demonstrateand we are prepared to protect that right while keeping all residents and businesses safe.

Various city agencies met for a briefing on election night preparedness Tuesday, according to the emergency management agency.

Through Sunday, there will be more officers on patrol, the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications will monitor any activity and crowds and the city has sent out garbage trucks and other large vehicles to protect business-heavy strips in the neighborhoods, the Mayors Office announced Friday.

RELATED: City Putting More Cops On Streets, Protecting Businesses Over Concerns About Election Day Unrest

Officials said they hope the measures can make people feel safer as they cast a ballot and await results during what is expected to be a tense week.

The citys efforts are focused on two issues, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Friday: election integrity and public safety.

Critics have expressed concern on social media over the plan, which largely mirrors what the city did over the summer, when there were large protests over police violence and when businesses were looted and vandalized. Protesters and officers routinely and, at times, violently clashed.

Lightfoot did not directly say officers wouldnt interfere in potential protests, but she said police will support people who are expressing their First Amendment rights though she repeatedly said Chicagoans should be peaceful.

I want to stress that while CPD is focused on crime prevention, our officers will continue to ensure residents expressing First Amendment rights are protected and given the support they need to stay safe, Lightfoot said.

Chicago: We have to be smart, safe and peaceful. No matter the outcomes of next Tuesdays elections, we all know that emotions will be high because they already are. I urged you to channel those emotions into peaceful and productive expressions.

Block Club Chicagos election coverage is free for all readers. Block Club is an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom.

Subscribe to Block Club Chicago. Every dime we make fundsreportingfrom Chicagos neighborhoods.

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City Warns Of Election Night Protests But Few In Works So Far - Block Club Chicago

Employers and human resource professionals find themselves increasingly dealing with workplace strife caused by political and societal differences. When society is polarized on politics, so too are employees.

Many employers report that employees are wearing face masks to work with political messages or posting pictures in their workspaces that convey political ideals. In addition, employees are having heated conversations at work and wondering where to draw the line on those conversations. Now more than ever, employers must be vigilant to maintain a healthy workplace climate while avoiding legal liability. The 2020 election provides an excellent opportunity for employers to communicate the need to respect differences in thought and political persuasion. So often, employees are keenly aware of which political party an employer or its decision-makers support. Additionally, the 2020 election requires employers to communicate affirmatively with its employee population rather than waiting for problems to arise, and to clearly explain the companys position on political discourse at work. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) published poll results from last October, finding workplace discussions about politics have increased over the last four years. SHRMs poll indicated 42 percent of employees had a political disagreement at work and 12 percent have experienced political affiliation bias.

Many employees believe their constitutional rights permit them to engage in political discussion they feel is necessary while at work. While political expression is a protected First Amendment right, including the right to protest and to vote, employees in the private sector have no constitutional rights to free speech that interferes with the workplace. Some states protect the exercise of political expression and prohibit any adverse employment actions taken on the exercise of those rights, including South Carolina. But employers are free to ensure that their workplace is not disrupted by the expression of political views. Further, First Amendment and other statutory rights regarding political expression do not permit employees to engage in heated political discussions that violate other company policies, such as standards of conduct (disrupting the workplace, aggressive or threatening behavior), or anti-discrimination and anti-harassment.

Employers should note that these prohibitions apply to conduct off duty, including on social media. Social media often presents complex problems and employers should be careful about taking adverse action against employees based upon social media posts. Social media posts and other political views can sometimes implicate Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act, which provides for protections for employees who engage in collective action around the terms and conditions of their employment.

An employer may not take any employment action against employees who exercise their First Amendment rights of expression on personal social media. Human Resource professionals must ensure managers and other employees do not treat other employees differently because of their political or societal views.

Employers should implement policies addressing civil discord, explaining the difference between appropriate political expression and inappropriate political expression, and providing examples of each. Providing employees with the tools needed to express themselves in respectful ways is integral to any successful DEI training. Employer-sponsored forums with employees, where employees are encouraged to engage in healthy and respectful discussion, to include politics, serve to provide employees with an employer-sanctioned venue for open communications.

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Politics And The Workplace Employers, Do You Have A Policy? - JD Supra

UCSD and The Koala have finally settled their lawsuit in September 2020, four years after The Koala filed the lawsuit against the university on the grounds of free speech infringement. UCSD has paid approximately $800,000 in legal fees and reimbursements to settle the suit; it is now at The Koalas discretion as to how they want to proceed as a student organization eligible for funding.

Founded in 1982, The Koala was a satirical student-run newspaper on campus that prided themselves on a lack of censorship. Many students have criticized their takes that often included racism, misogyny, and generally shock humor. Articles mocking the Compton Cookout, Muslims, jokes centered around school shootings, and rape have all been published by The Koala in the past.

Two days after The Koala published the following article in 2015, which included racial slurs, the Associated Students of UCSD voted to defund all student media. In response, The Koala sued the university and Chancellor Pradeep Khosla, claiming that they were censoring students.

David Loy, legal director of the San Diego ACLU Chapter and co-counsel for The Koala, told The Triton that upon joining the case they first sent a letter to the university, and then when negotiations were unsuccessful, we filed a suit in 2016.

The Koala filed a case against the university in 2016 but in March 2017, Judge Jeffrey T. Miller dismissed the lawsuit. This dismissal was argued on the grounds that the university creates a limited public forum under which student media qualifies. As a result, expressions of speech may be limited at the discretion of the body that created the forum.

An amicus curiae brief was jointly filed by FIRE, a non-profit group for free speech rights on college campuses, and the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of overturning their previous decision. Since these two parties were not directly involved in the lawsuit, they are able to engage in a way that supports one side. This brief supported The Koalas legal teams efforts in appealing the 2017 dismissal.

Should the original ruling have stood, it would have changed precedent for student media censorship in general, as it upheld the notion of a limited public forum and granted universities powers of restriction.

Loy comments that its clear that the actions of the administration and student government were motivated by the content of what The Koala published and that is a classic violation of the first amendment.

In July 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the Miller dismissal, finding the article published by The Koala was protected speech, and could therefore be argued adequately under the Free Press clause that The Koala was singled out. It was concluded that by defunding student media, the university had acted with discriminatory intent.

Loy states that this decision sets a legal precedent for student governments and campus administrators at public universities nationwide regarding censorship and freedom of speech. This ruling demonstrates that universities cannot get away with inflicting collateral damage and utilizing other methods to subvert the first amendment.

The lawsuit was finally settled in September 2020, which confirmed certain protections against censorship that lacked precedent. In the settlement, both parties agreed that a joint motion to dismiss with prejudice would be filed. This means that The Koala cannot take action over this, via another suit, ever again.

The settlement required a sum of $12,500 be paid to The Koala by the university. It also called for UCSD to pay approximately $150,000 to cover The Koalas attorney fees. Additionally, UCSD spent $662,317.86 from May 24, 2016 to October 6, 2020 for legal staff that were on retainer for this case.

In addition to the universitys legal counsel, two AS representatives were present during the final settlement. This included the ASUCSD President and the Financial Controller.

In conversation with current ASUCSD President, Kimberly Giangtran, about the settlement, she stated that the proposed agreement was presented to and approved by the AS Senate. The monetary impact of this settlement came from AS Mandate Reserves. This settlement did not utilize student fees collected in the 2020-2021 year.

Though the Koala have published some articles over the duration of the lawsuit, their website is currently down and access to the archives is unavailable. Koala President Alyssa Kress, listed on the lawsuit, did not respond to questions for comment by the time of publication. The Koala has re-registered and uploaded a 2021 updated constitution found here.

Sahana Narayan is the assistant news editor for The Triton. You can follow her here.

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Four Years Later, UCSD Settles with The Koala - The Triton