OK, in terms of access to the Politics usergroup, I am going to probably amnesty any prior infractions for existing users who are otherwise in good standing (IE not banned) and implement the 'no infractions' policy for new members only.
Note that I am considering some other policy changes and will announce them after they've been fully discussed with staff. When I do so, there will generally be a period of discussion with the userbase before they are implemented.
For reviewing existing bans, that is something that I will consider once I have things on a firmer basis.
For new staff applications, those will open up in a few days.