Wise Wednesdays

Constitutional Counties

Public Wise's latest research on the right-wing Constitutional Sheriffs and Counties movement was released this week!?

For years, county-level law enforcement officials have been rejecting decisions made through the democratic process at all levels, claiming sheriffs are the final arbiters of the law. Despite their low democratic accountability, this movement is spreading to other areas of county level government.

Public Wise has meticulously collected data and analyzed this trend to understand its prevalence and impact.?

Summary of Key Takeaways

• A growing movement is attempting a power grab at the county government level.

• Initially, sheriffs claimed the right to decide which federal, state, and municipal laws to enforce based on their interpretation of the Constitution.

• The movement has spread to county commissions, which now assert similar claims about their right to decide what laws, particularly gun laws, can be enforced within their counties.

• Public Wise's in-depth data collection across 668 counties in nine battleground states revealed that around a quarter of these counties adhere to this movement, promoting the idea that county commission legislative positions can overrule state and federal laws, thereby subverting the established legal hierarchy.

• This push for more county-level power, one of the least democratically accountable levels of elected government, threatens to exacerbate the problems of disproportionate rural representation already embedded in the U.S. electoral system.

Explore our findings and learn more about this growing challenge to democracy.

Read the Constitutional Counties Research Report

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Upcoming Events

In our upcoming events section, we highlight opportunities to engage with our team and partner organizations. From Instagram Live discussions to partner briefings, we're committed to providing platforms for meaningful dialogue and action.

Instagram Live with Arizona Native Vote!

Join us on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, for an Instagram Live, hosted by Public Wise in collaboration with Arizona Native Vote! The discussion will center on building power in rural and tribal communities in Arizona. Follow us on Instagram and set your reminders!

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ICYMI

Our "In Case You Missed It" section recaps the headlines we think are important for the week, ensuring you're up to date with the latest happenings.

• Biden Tells Allies He Knows He Has Only Days to Salvage Candidacy

The president’s conversations are the first indication that he is seriously considering whether he can recover.

• Trump tries to distance himself from Project 2025 plan

Trump claimed he knew “nothing” about the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a right-wing policy blueprint spearheaded by former Trump administration officials.

• Biden support slips in deep blue New York: ‘We’re a battleground state now’

Democrats are worried the president is taking New York for granted as the state becomes surprisingly competitive.

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Until next time, stay wise!