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W.Va. Secretary of State Warner Reports an Increase in Early Voter Turnout; 24% Higher Turnout Than the Last Midterm General Election
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Nov. 3 -- West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner issued the following news:
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Secretary Warner reports an increase in early voter turnout; 24% higher turnout than the last midterm General Election
November 2, 2026
Charleston, W.Va. - According to WV Secretary of State Kris Warner, county clerks reported a total of 162,349 West Virginia voters cast ballots during the early voting period from Wednesday, October 21 through Saturday, October 31. That's 24% higher turnout than in the last midterm General Election held on November 2022, which that saw 131,404 early
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Nov. 3 -- West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner issued the following news:
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Secretary Warner reports an increase in early voter turnout; 24% higher turnout than the last midterm General Election
November 2, 2026
Charleston, W.Va. - According to WV Secretary of State Kris Warner, county clerks reported a total of 162,349 West Virginia voters cast ballots during the early voting period from Wednesday, October 21 through Saturday, October 31. That's 24% higher turnout than in the last midterm General Election held on November 2022, which that saw 131,404 earlyvotes.
The unofficial early voter turnout shows a 19% increase in Democrat voters, 28% increase in Republican voters, and a 31% increase in unaffiliated voters in the 2022 midterm General Election.
This is Secretary Warner's first statewide General Election as the state's chief elections official. He attributes the rise in voter turnout to how easy it has become to register in West Virginia. He said, "West Virginia voters have the opportunity to continue or increase this trend on Tuesday, November 3rd, by voting between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Voters in line by 7:30 p.m. will be guaranteed the opportunity to vote."
According to Secretary Warner, the general public plays an important role in keeping West Virginia elections safe and secure. He is encouraging citizens who may witness or believe that an election law violation has occurred to report it immediately to the WVSOS Investigations Division toll free at 877-FRAUD-WV to report any potential violation.
Below is a breakdown of turnout as of the last day of early voting, Saturday, October 31:
* Early in-person voting period ballots cast: 162,349
* Absentee ballots requested: 9,735
* Absentee ballots returned: 7,001
* Total ballots cast to date: 169,350
Total turnout stands at 169,350 ballots cast, representing nearly 14% of West Virginia's 1,210,297 registered voters.
As a comparison, below is an overview of the 2022 midterm General Election turnout of 131,404 early in-person period ballots cast and 13,060 absentee ballots returned.
Early votes cast in November 2022 for the 2022 General Election include:
* Republican 53,398;
* Democrat 50,237;
* No Party Affiliation 21,075;
* Other 6,240;
* Libertarian 357;
* Mountain 92; and
* Constitution 5.
Overall absentee ballots returned in November for the 2022 General Election include:
* Democrat 6,407;
* Republican 4,451;
* No Party Affiliation 1,623;
* Other 537;
* Libertarian 32;
* Mountain 9; and
* Constitution 1.
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Original text here: https://sos.wv.gov/article/secretary-warner-reports-increase-early-voter-turnout-24-higher-turnout-last-midterm
N.M. Economic Development Dept.: New Opportunity Zones to Bring Investment, Jobs to NM
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Nov. 3 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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November 2, 2026
New Opportunity Zones to bring investment, jobs to NM
State designates 65 tracts in 22 counties for federal tax incentives
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SANTA FE -- Communities across New Mexico could see new business investment, development and jobs across 65 census tracts selected by the state for Federal Opportunity Zone nominations.
Opportunity Zones provide federal tax incentives to encourage private investment in businesses, property development and other projects that can
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Nov. 3 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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November 2, 2026
New Opportunity Zones to bring investment, jobs to NM
State designates 65 tracts in 22 counties for federal tax incentives
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SANTA FE -- Communities across New Mexico could see new business investment, development and jobs across 65 census tracts selected by the state for Federal Opportunity Zone nominations.
Opportunity Zones provide federal tax incentives to encourage private investment in businesses, property development and other projects that cancreate jobs and stimulate local economies. Under the program, investors who reinvest capital gains in an Opportunity Zone can defer taxes on those gains for five years. Investors who hold the investment for at least five years have 10% of the original gain excluded from taxation, or 30% for investments in rural Opportunity Zones. Investors who hold the investment for 10 years or longer pay no federal tax on any new gains the investment earns, for up to 30 years.
"New Mexico is leading the way in attracting new industries and investment, and we're making sure more communities can share in that success," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "These Opportunity Zones give great businesses another reason to choose New Mexico and bring good-paying jobs to places where those opportunities are needed most."
Opportunity Zones complement New Mexico's broader economic development strategy, including investments in infrastructure, Economic Development New Mexico's Site Readiness Program, New Mexico Finance Authority's Opportunity Enterprise Programs and other business development tools to help communities compete for new businesses and jobs.
The selected parcels span 22 counties. Approximately 230,000 New Mexicans, or nearly 11% of the state's population live in the 65 selected census tracts. More than half (55.4%) of the selected areas are rural, and more than 90% have poverty rates of 20% or higher. The selections are intended to help direct private investment toward communities historically challenged in attracting new development.
"We can accomplish great things when we're all working toward the same goals," said Economic Development (EDNM) Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. "Our local partners helped us identify which designations could do the most good, and now we have another tool to help bring investment and jobs to those communities."
EDNM worked with the state's seven regional Councils of Government and local governments to identify the proposed zones, drawing on their knowledge of local needs, priorities and development opportunities.
Highlights of New Mexico's selections include:
* Statewide reach: The 65 census tracts across 22 of New Mexico's 33 counties.
* Rural opportunities: More than half (55.4%) of the selected tracts are in rural areas.
* Focus on economic need: More than 90% of the selected tracts have poverty rates of at least 20%, and nearly half have poverty rates of 30% or higher.
* Geographic distribution: Bernalillo County has the most selected tracts at 21, followed by McKinley with five, and Chaves, Dona Ana and Otero with four each.
* Tribal communities: Eight selected tracts include portions of Tribal areas, potentially expanding investment opportunities in and around those communities.
The state selected the 65 tracts from 257 eligible areas and submitted its nominations to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for federal designation, the final step toward establishing New Mexico's Opportunity Zones .
"Opportunity Zones 2.0" refers to the permanent program established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, replacing the original, temporary Opportunity Zones 1.0 program created in 2017.
A list of New Mexico's selected Opportunity Zones, along with additional information about the program, is available at edd.newmexico.gov/opportunity-zones.
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Original text here: https://edd.newmexico.gov/press-releases/new-opportunity-zones-to-bring-investment-jobs-to-nm/
Mont. State Auditor James Brown Reminds Montanans to Utilize ACA Open Enrollment Period, Carefully Review Any 'Limited Partner' Plans
HELENA, Montana, Nov. 3 -- Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown issued the following news release:
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State Auditor James Brown Reminds Montanans to Utilize ACA Open Enrollment Period, Carefully Review Any 'Limited Partner' Plans
November 2, 2026
HELENA, Mont. -- State Auditor James Brown reminds Montanans who receive or want to apply for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace to utilize the open enrollment period from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027.
The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change
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HELENA, Montana, Nov. 3 -- Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown issued the following news release:
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State Auditor James Brown Reminds Montanans to Utilize ACA Open Enrollment Period, Carefully Review Any 'Limited Partner' Plans
November 2, 2026
HELENA, Mont. -- State Auditor James Brown reminds Montanans who receive or want to apply for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace to utilize the open enrollment period from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027.
The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or changehealth plans through the ACA Marketplace for the coming year. Coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2027, if one enrolls in or change plans by December 15, 2026.
The last day to enroll in or change plans for the year is January 15, 2027. After that date, consumers may only enroll in or change Marketplace plans if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage starts on February 1, 2027, for those who enroll in or change plans from December 16, 2026, to January 15, 2027, and pay their first premium.
For more information on the ACA Marketplace or to utilize the open enrollment period, visit healthcare.gov.
Auditor Brown also advises Montanans to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside of the ACA Marketplace. The agency has identified plans that claim they are "self-funded" and refer to consumers as "limited partners" or "employees" in order to avoid Montana consumer-protection regulations.
These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills.
Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available through a licensed insurance agent or www.healthcare.gov.
"If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical," Auditor Brown said.
Montana consumers can contact the Insurance Consumer Service (ICS) Bureau at the Auditor's Office before enrolling in a plan if they have any questions or concerns. ICS can be reached at 800-332-6148 or 406-444-2524.
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Original text here: https://csimt.gov/2026/11/02/state-auditor-james-brown-reminds-montanans-to-utilize-aca-open-enrollment-period-carefully-review-any-limited-partner-plans/
La. Insurance Commissioner Temple Reminds Louisianans to Review Their Health Insurance Coverage During Open Enrollment
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Nov. 3 -- The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
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November 2, 2026
Commissioner Temple Reminds Louisianans to Review Their Health Insurance Coverage During Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment begins November 1 for 2027 Health Insurance Marketplace plans
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Open Enrollment for health insurance coverage began November 1, giving Louisianans the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to their coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace for the coming year.
If you enroll in a plan by December 15, coverage will begin January 1.
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Nov. 3 -- The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
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November 2, 2026
Commissioner Temple Reminds Louisianans to Review Their Health Insurance Coverage During Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment begins November 1 for 2027 Health Insurance Marketplace plans
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Open Enrollment for health insurance coverage began November 1, giving Louisianans the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to their coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace for the coming year.
If you enroll in a plan by December 15, coverage will begin January 1.Those who wait until the final deadline of January 15 will have coverage beginning February 1.
"Finding the right health insurance plan begins with understanding your options and making informed decisions about your coverage," Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said. "Take time to explore your options and ensure you choose a plan that fits your health care needs."
Health insurers offering individual marketplace plans in Louisiana for 2027 are: Ambetter Health of Louisiana, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, CHRISTUS Health Plan, Louisiana Blue (formerly Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana) and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company.
The Louisiana Department of Insurance offers the following tips regarding Open Enrollment:
* Review your options. Plans and premiums can change each year. This year has included significant federal changes, resulting in premium increases and alterations to plan offerings. It is important to review the options offered in your area and ensure your plan selection includes your doctors and suits your health needs.
* Contact an agent. A licensed health insurance agent can help you understand your options, answer questions and determine if you qualify for a premium tax credit.
* Meet deadlines. If you enroll in a plan by December 15, your coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2027. If you enroll after December 15 but by the final deadline of January 15, your coverage will begin Feb. 1, 2027. If you do not elect coverage by January 15, you will be unable to get an individual marketplace plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a qualifying life event.
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About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state's insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by downloading our LDIConnect mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, calling us at 800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.
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Original text here: https://ldi.la.gov/news/press-releases/11-2-26-commissioner-temple-reminds-louisianans-to-review-their-health-insurance-coverage-during-open-enrollment
Gov. Abbott: Texas Named Top Business Climate In America For 4th Year In A Row
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 3 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Texas Named Top Business Climate In America For 4th Year In A Row
November 2, 2026 | Austin, Texas
Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas being named America's Top Business Climate for the fourth year in a row by Site Selection magazine.
"Texas leads the nation in economic opportunity," said Governor Abbott. "As the eighth-largest economy in the world, Texas offers an environment where firms of every size and in diverse industries can grow and succeed. Strategic investments in our state's infrastructure
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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 3 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Texas Named Top Business Climate In America For 4th Year In A Row
November 2, 2026 | Austin, Texas
Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas being named America's Top Business Climate for the fourth year in a row by Site Selection magazine.
"Texas leads the nation in economic opportunity," said Governor Abbott. "As the eighth-largest economy in the world, Texas offers an environment where firms of every size and in diverse industries can grow and succeed. Strategic investments in our state's infrastructureand workforce development, supported by companies that create jobs, bring capital investment and drive innovation across the state, strengthen Texas' economic momentum and secure our place as the premier destination for business."
Texas again earned this top ranking based on a survey of corporate real estate executives and site selectors in addition to our focus on cutting regulations and maintaining a predictable regulatory landscape, a strong entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, the number of job-creating corporate relocation and expansion projects, and a pro-business mindset and environment where enterprise can flourish.
Earlier this year, Governor Abbott accepted Site Selection magazine's Governor's Cup for a record-shattering 14th consecutive win for Texas as the nation's top-performing state for job-creating business relocations and expansions. Texas also won the 2026 Prosperity Cup from Site Selection magazine, which recognizes the top state in the U.S. for attracting new business investments.
Learn more about Site Selection's 2026 Top Business Climate rankings.
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office (EDT) within the Office of the Governor is tasked with marketing and promoting the state of Texas across the nation and around the world as the premier business location and travel destination. EDT works closely with communities and local, regional, and statewide economic development and tourism organizations, as well as partnering state agencies, to ensure Texas remains the best place to live, work, and visit.
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Original text here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/texas-named-top-business-climate-in-america-for-4th-year-in-a-row
Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Tenth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Nov. 3 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Tenth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz
November 3, 2026
[ST. PAUL, MN] - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the vacancy in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District. The vacancy occurred upon the elevation of the Honorable John A. Bowen to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The seat will be chambered in Buffalo in Wright County.
Robert Bieniek: Robert Bieniek
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Nov. 3 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Tenth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz
November 3, 2026
[ST. PAUL, MN] - The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending three candidates for consideration to fill the vacancy in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District. The vacancy occurred upon the elevation of the Honorable John A. Bowen to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The seat will be chambered in Buffalo in Wright County.
Robert Bieniek: Robert Bieniekis an assistant public defender in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District, where he handles felony and juvenile cases throughout Pine, Isanti, Chisago, and Kanabec Counties. He was previously an assistant county attorney in the Isanti County Attorney's Office, where he handled a wide range of criminal and child protection matters, and a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Joseph Quinn in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District. Bieniek's community involvement includes serving as lieutenant of the Hugo Fire Department, a trustee of the Hugo Fire Department Relief Association, and president of the White Bear Lake Trap and Skeet Booster Club.
Jake Murphy: Jake Murphy is a senior assistant county attorney in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, where he handles criminal prosecutions, with a focus on violent crimes. He previously served in the office's Pretrial Justice Division. Murphy also serves as a commissioned officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard, providing legal counsel to the 84th Troop Command Brigade Commander and all subordinate commanders. His community involvement includes volunteering as a K-12 reading and math tutor and providing pro bono legal assistance to soldiers and their families.
Karen Wolff: Karen Wolff is the assistant civil chief in the Wright County Attorney's Office, where she handles child support cases, guardianships, and other civil matters, and is a team member for the Wright County's drug treatment court. She previously served in the criminal division of the Wright County Attorney's Office and as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Dale E. Mossey in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District. Wolff's community involvement includes serving as a board member of the Minnesota Family Support and Recovery Council, volunteering with the Cardinal Athletic Foundation and Ducks Unlimited, and serving as an attorney coach for the Buffalo High School Mock Trial team.
For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor's Judicial Appointments webpage (https://mn.gov/governor/administration/judicialappointments/).
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/773378
Ariz. State Rep. Kolodin Requests Emergency Declaration to Protect Election Day Access for Rio Verde Foothills Voters
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 3 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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November 2, 2026
Rep. Kolodin Requests Emergency Declaration to Protect Election Day Access for Rio Verde Foothills Voters
Kolodin, joined by Rep. Reim, asks the Board of Supervisors to act under A.R.S. Sec. 26-311 to restore access on washed-out roads before polls close Tuesday
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STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX - Arizona State Representative Alexander Kolodin, joined by Representative Cody Reim, today formally requested that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors declare a local emergency for Rio
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 3 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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November 2, 2026
Rep. Kolodin Requests Emergency Declaration to Protect Election Day Access for Rio Verde Foothills Voters
Kolodin, joined by Rep. Reim, asks the Board of Supervisors to act under A.R.S. Sec. 26-311 to restore access on washed-out roads before polls close Tuesday
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STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX - Arizona State Representative Alexander Kolodin, joined by Representative Cody Reim, today formally requested that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors declare a local emergency for RioVerde Foothills. The declaration would enable the County to restore access on washed-out roads that fall outside its normal maintenance program and ensure that every eligible voter in the community can cast a ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
"The right to vote is the foundation of every other right Arizonans hold, and it does not depend on whether your road appears on a County maintenance list," said Representative Kolodin. "Every eligible voter in this state deserves a clear path to the ballot box, whether they live in central Phoenix or at the end of a dirt road in the Foothills. A washout must never be the reason an Arizonan's voice goes unheard on Election Day. The County has clear authority to act, and I am calling on the Board to exercise it today. I commend the steps it has already taken, and I will stand with these voters until every one of them can reach the polls."
In a letter to Board Chairman Kate Brophy McGee (see attached), Representative Kolodin explained that much of the road network in Rio Verde Foothills, an unincorporated community in northeast Maricopa County, consists of private, unaccepted, or easement roads that fall outside the County's routine grading and repair. Where a resident's only access road has washed out, there is no one responsible for repairing it, and, in many cases, the resident has no other way off the property. Without intervention, that voter can neither vote in person nor return an early ballot before polls close at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.
The request rests on A.R.S. Sec. 26-311, which authorizes the Board, acting through its Chairman, to declare a local emergency within the unincorporated area of the county. A declaration would allow the County to deploy crews and equipment, including contracted equipment, to restore passable access on roads outside its normal maintenance program, limited to the purpose and duration the emergency requires.
"The residents of Rio Verde Foothills maintain their own roads, and in ordinary times they ask very little of the County," said Representative Reim. "A washout on the eve of an election is not something a family can repair overnight. That is why I have joined Representative Kolodin's request. A narrowly tailored emergency declaration allows the County to step in for the brief period required so that every voter in the Foothills can reach the polls."
Representative Kolodin, joined by Representative Reim, thanked the Board for its prompt action to date and said their offices remain available to support the County in completing this work before polls close.
Election Day Voting Information
Election Day voting in Maricopa County runs from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. Voters may cast a ballot at any Maricopa County vote center. Any voter in line by 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Early ballots must be delivered to a voting location or drop box by 7:00 p.m.
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Alexander Kolodin is an attorney and Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 3, which includes North Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Rio Verde in Maricopa County. Follow him on X at @realAlexKolodin.
Cody Reim is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 3. Follow him on X at @codyreim247.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/261102KOLODINREIMLTR.pdf
