Campaigns & Elections

Can the snarky ‘Save Our Yachts’ campaign save Washington’s capital gains tax?

The long-fought-for and hard-won tax has survived its legal challenges. Now it must survive the ballot.

  • By Elizabeth Daigneau

States are banning private funding of elections. Some worry about unintended consequences.

Wisconsin voters approved a ballot measure banning such cash infusions earlier this month. Proponents of the bans say they limit interference in elections, but opponents say chronically underfunded elections offices need help.

  • By Chris Teale

As elections loom, congressional maps challenged as discriminatory will remain in place

With control of the House of Representatives hanging in the balance, the time-consuming appeals process means elections in multiple districts will take place using maps that have been challenged as discriminatory to voters of color.

  • By Marilyn W. Thompson, ProPublica

Election laws fighting AI deepfakes need to be targeted and adaptable, report says

The technology’s use in voter suppression cannot be underestimated, according to a report from the progressive group NewDEAL. It recommends how states can craft laws to combat the threat.

  • By Chris Teale

States look to rein in ballot initiatives with more ballot initiatives

Ballot measures in recent years have been used to expand Medicaid, preserve abortion rights and raise minimum wages. Now, state lawmakers are turning to them to put more restrictions on the process.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Counties want more money for elections. Washington is unlikely to provide it.

“I just don't want anybody to walk out of here thinking that all of a sudden a massive flow of funds is going to come forward,” a House committee chairman told county officials.

  • By Kery Murakami

Election leaders debut new standards of conduct, aim to build trust ahead of key races

The standards call for better communication and more transparency. Secretaries of state and other election administrators on hand for the announcement also detailed the challenges they are facing leading up the November general election.

  • By Chris Teale

Fake Biden robocall to New Hampshire voters highlights how easy it is to make deepfakes

COMMENTARY | Deepfake technology is widely available, and a pivotal election year lies ahead. The fake Biden robocall is likely to be just the latest of a series of AI-enhanced disinformation campaigns.

  • By Joan Donovan, The Conversation

On the Agenda 2024: State and local issues to watch

Here are the 10 biggest challenges government leaders will confront in the new year.

  • By Route Fifty Staff

Why advocates for transgender rights are so thrilled with election results

After years of putting transgender issues at the center of the culture wars, several anti-trans candidates were defeated in Tuesday’s state and local elections. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Democrats prove they have staying power in state elections

Plus, abortion rights and pot legalization win in Ohio, Philadelphia elects its first woman mayor, and a falsely accused member of "Central Park Five" joins New York City council.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

What to watch for in Tuesday’s high-stakes elections

Abortion rights are playing a pivotal role in elections in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock
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Ending the deepfake threat to elections before it starts

Officials try to get ahead of misinformation created by AI before the 2024 elections.

  • By Harrison Cann

Are elections enough to keep state legislators in check?

In a new book, political science professor Steven Rogers argues that voters don’t have the tools to keep tabs on their lawmakers. That could impact how legislators do their jobs.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

GOP states announce new voter roll systems. Are they as secure as ERIC?

An expert in elections administration and one of the founders of ERIC says the new systems could suffer from low data quality, high costs and inadequate security.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Governors may make good presidents—unless they become ‘imperial governors’ like DeSantis

COMMENTARY | The transition from governor to president isn't so simple, one expert says. Governors must understand the dominance they held at the state level does not carry over into the federal government.

  • By Raymond Scheppach, The Conversation

After power play fails, Ohio Republicans face more ballot measure challenges

State legislators wanted to stop the public from voting on abortion rights to redistricting. Similar fights are playing out nationwide, as conservative lawmakers try to make it harder for liberals to pass policies at the ballot box.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

The New Hampshire governor's decision not to run leaves 2024 field wide open

But Republican Chris Sununu’s exit gives Democrats their best pickup opportunity in a year when only a few governorships seem to be in play. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Alabama Loses High Court Bid to Rewrite Redistricting Rules

The Supreme Court ordered state lawmakers to draw another majority Black congressional district, in a case that could have a far-reaching impact.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

North Dakota Governor for President?

What the U.S. Supreme Court rulings mean for states and localities; watching the debt limit drama; and more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Elizabeth Daigneau

Five Takeaways from Tuesday’s Elections

Women make history, Republicans lose ground and crime concerns take center stage. Here's what you might've missed in the dozens of city and statewide races Tuesday night.

  • By Daniel C. Vock