Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

It has been nearly four years since North Dakota reached a settlement with Native American tribes over its Voter ID law, but advocates say there are still barriers for tribal members who want to cast a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 22, 2023

As 2024 vote looms, ND Tribal advocates ramp up outreach

While North Dakota does not have voter registration, civic engagement groups say efforts are still needed to help underserved populations get …

Almost nine of 10 voters who used ranked choice voting said they were confident their ballot would be counted accurately, according to Utah Ranked Choice Voting. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 22, 2023

Multiple Utah cities set to use ranked-choice voting in next election

Across Utah, 10 cities will be using ranked choice voting in the general election in November. In 2018, Utah passed a bill to establish a pilot …

Protesters take to the streets of New York as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu attends the U.N. General Assembly Today. (VICHIZH/ Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 22, 2023

NY rallies for Jewish democracy as Netanyahu meets UN

Protests have heightened in New York as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joins the United Nations General Assembly today. Sonya Meyerson-…

Some 43% of young voters say they are more motivated to vote by candidates who represent their values, not by voting against candidates who do not represent their values (27%). (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 22, 2023

Looking to NC voters 'under 45' to change state politics

The youngest North Carolina voters could end up shifting the political landscape of the state in the not-too-distant future. New data from the …

According to Alliance for Youth Action, if the November 2022 election were held today, 53% of young voters in battleground states would vote for the Democratic candidate for Congress, while 42% would vote for the Republican candidate for Congress. Independent voters favor Republican candidates, 49% to 41%.<br />

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Georgia youths on brink of reshaping political landscape

Georgia's young people could shift the political landscape of the state in the near future. New data from the Brookings Institution indicates that …

Nearly 70% of Arizona voters do not believe that politicians are delivering the results they want, need and deserve, according to Make Elections Fair Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

AZ proposal for open primaries could benefit Independent voters

Arizonans could vote on a proposal next year some advocates said would make politics more equitable in the Grand Canyon State. This week, the Make …

At least six states and dozens of local jurisdictions have introduced legislation to ban the use of ballot tabulators, relying instead on hand counts to determine election results despite tabulators having a higher accuracy rate. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Pressure mounts on CT governor to upgrade election infrastructure

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly spelled the name 'Erlinghauser' as two words instead of one. (11:24 a.m. MDT, Sept. 20…

In Arkansas, early voting starts Feb. 19 for the March 5 primary election. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Arkansans Reminded to Register on National Voter Registration Day

It is National Voter Registration Day. Ahead of the municipal election on November 14th, there is an urgent push for voter registration in the …

Census data shows the most common method of voter registration was via the Department of Motor Vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Advocates Raising Awareness on Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and advocates across New York and the nation are reminding people to check up on their registration status…

Native American voters living on rural reservations often use ballot-collection services because of limited access to home mail services and polling places. Montana, home to 12 tribal nations, enacted a law that makes it illegal to pay organizers who collect completed absentee ballots from voters, according to the Brennan Center. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Indigenous Effort Aims to Get Out the Vote

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and in Montana, Indigenous advocates are working to register people and get out the vote. As part of its …

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating democracy. It has gained momentum since it was first observed in 2012. (Robert Yap/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Today is National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day. Michiganders have many locations where they can register to vote, such as community colleges, universities…

Ballots cast by young people made up 12% of all votes in the 2022 election, nearly matching the 13% youth share of the vote from the 2014 and 2018 midterms, according to National Election Pool surveys. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

NC Group Joins Effort to Mobilize Young Voters

The League of Women Voters in North Carolina said its members are working diligently to reach out to young people, especially today. The goal is to …

Washington state is holding elections on November 7. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Washingtonians Out of Prison Can Participate in Voter Registration Day

It is national voter registration day and one population in Washington state has only recently had their right to vote restored: people who were incar…

Vote 16 USA reported 16- and 17-year-olds turned out at higher rates than older voters. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Some Maryland Communities Lowering Voting Age to 16

Today is National Voter Registration Day and in addition to urging you to check your registration advocates are making the case for lowering the votin…

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

About 1 in 3 Missourians Isn't Registered to Vote

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and Missourians have many locations where they can register to vote - from community colleges and …

Pennsylvanians have until Oct. 23 to register to vote before this year's Nov. 7 election. <br />(Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

PA Needs 40,000 Poll Workers for Upcoming Elections

Election Day is less than two months away, and for the process to go smoothly, Pennsylvania needs a lot more poll workers. Many of the 8.7 million …

Food to Power, a group in Colorado Springs, has redistributed more than $6 million of healthy groceries to struggling families since 2013. (Adobe Stock)

Harvest Celebration Marks Decades-Long Quest to Address Food Insecurity

This year's Food to Power Harvest Festival marks 10 years since Colorado Springs residents launched a food rescue project to get fruits and vegetables…

Texas is one of only a handful of states that does not allow online voter registration. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

TX Joins Momentous Effort to Register Young Voters of Color

The annual National Voter Registration Day returns tomorrow, and a Texas organization has a goal of registering 1,200 new young voters from diverse …

Some 80% of female Hispanic voters between ages 18 and 29 voted as Democrats in 2022, as did 89% of African American women in the same age range. (Adobe Stock)

WI Part of Push to Engage With Young Voters

Vice President Kamala Harris is embarking on a monthlong college tour, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to hear what students are …

Civic knowledge is drastically low, with just 56% of Americans able to identify the three branches of government and nearly 20% unable to identify any, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Agreement on Need for Greater Civics Education

Gov. Chris Sununu aims to inspire a revival of civics education nationwide as surveys show Americans lack a solid understanding of just how our …

Millennials and 'Gen Zers' will be a majority of potential voters by 2028, according to the Brookings Institution. (Adobe Stock)

VP Harris to Visit NAU to Help Mobilize Young Voters

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff as part of a month-long college tour as the Biden administration…

At least 11 major cities across the United States are hosting National Day of Action rallies today to call attention to reforms they say are needed in the nation's immigration detention system. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

Immigration Advocates Host National Day of Action Rally

Immigration advocacy groups are calling on New Yorkers to join them in Foley Square at noon today. It's a National Day of Action to call attention to …

In a new poll from the group A Better Wisconsin Together, 66% of Wisconsin voters say they would rather see the Legislature prioritize education rather than seek the possible impeachment of a liberal state Supreme Court justice. (Adobe Stock)

New Poll: Most Voters Oppose Impeaching WI Supreme Court Justice

Following last spring's election, where Wisconsin voted in a liberal justice to the state Supreme Court, Republican leaders are further exploring a …

Some 80% of female Hispanic voters between ages 18 and 29 voted as Democrats in 2022. That number is 89% for African American women of the same age range. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Young Voters Crucial for Upcoming Elections

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to embark soon on a month-long college tour that includes the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, according …

According to the MAP report, only seven states have a statewide Voting Rights Act. It finds stronger federal election legislation, like the Freedom to Vote Act, could ensure a stronger democracy nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

A Call for Urgent Action to Thwart Election Denial Risks in NC

A new report shows North Carolina and other states are susceptible to election denialism, which could have implications for future elections…

In 2012, candidates took 7%, on average, of all their out-of-state money from ideologically-driven donors. But in the 2022 election cycle, ideological donors typically made up 13% of the out-of-state donor pool, according to Open Secrets. (Adobe Stock)

Local and State Politics Grow Increasingly 'Nationalized'

Political candidates running for federal office have grown increasingly reliant on out-of-state donations, according to a new report. Government …

About a month ago, former President Donald Trump was indicted for 13 crimes related to his alleged efforts to reverse his election loss in Georgia. (Michael Rolands/Adobe Stock)

Report: GA Among Battleground States at Risk for 'Election Denialism'

Georgia and other battleground states are susceptible to election denialism, which a new report said has implications for the next election. The …

The CDC says about one in three Indiana adults lives with some type of disability, in categories that include mental, cognition, hearing, vision or self-care. (Adobe Stock)

Today: Virtual Session to Boost Participation for IN Voters with Disabilities

This election season, Indiana will have a new governor or perhaps a new mayor of Indianapolis. One group is working to increase voter participation …

Some 8 million Texans cast a ballot in the November 2022 midterm election, just 45.7% of the state's 17.7 million registered voters. (Burlingham/AdobeStock)

Texas Becomes Largest Republican-led State to Exit Voter Data Group

There was no evidence of significance voter fraud in the 2020 election, but it has not stopped Texas from withdrawing from a system used by 30 states …

A CBS Poll from August finds more than half of those surveyed feel former President Donald Trump attempted to remain in office through

Lawsuit Seeks Removal of Donald Trump from CO Primary Ballot

A Colorado lawsuit getting lots of national attention aims to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's presidential primary ballot…

An estimated 29 million eligible voters live in states at high risk for election denial, according to the report. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: AZ at Risk for Election Denialism in 2024

Election denialism in Arizona could interfere with the 2024 presidential race. Analysis from the National Election Denial Risk Index shows Arizona …

The voter-turnout rate for young voters in the 2022 midterm election reached 27%, the second-highest youth turnout rate for a midterm election in the past 30 years, behind only the historic 2018 turnout of 31%. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Young People Face Greater Barriers to Voting as Turnout Increases

As youth voter turnout increases, so do the barriers these voters face to participate in elections. Republican-led legislatures - including in New …

Media experts say to avoid being duped by disinformation, double and even triple check the source of a story, and then try to find this information elsewhere in other reputable places, like mainstream news outlets. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tech Companies Scale Back Efforts to Control Election Disinformation

Introduced federal legislation aims to counter the growing threat of election disinformation as social media platforms scale back efforts to control i…

The 2023 Arizona legislative session was the longest session on record, officially spanning 204 days and finally wrapping up on July 31. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental Report Card Released for AZ Legislature, Governor

Grades are in for Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature. The Grand Canyon chapter of the Sierra Club and Chispa Arizona this week …

The Right Time initiative conducted an online survey of 1,000 Missouri residents between April 27 and May 3. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Is Birth Control Legal? Many Missourians Unsure

One in four Missourians either doesn't believe or doesn't know that using birth control pills is legal in the state. The Right Time, an initiative …

Households with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible for the ACP. (Adobe Stock)

Thousands of Maryland Households Qualify for Internet Subsidy

Maryland residents struggling to pay for web access can get help from two connected programs. The Federal Communications Commission's Affordable …

After false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential vote, some states have lowered their risk of threats to democracy by enacting certain safeguards. A new analysis found North Dakota faces a 'moderate risk' of election denialism. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: ND Faces Moderate Threat from 'Election Denialism'

Election denialism still could be a problem in North Dakota and other states in next year's race for the White House, according to a new analysis…

The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Voting Rights Act and the Helping America Vote Act, as well as Michigan election laws, require accessible voting for all. The policies have been in place for decades. (PondShots/Adobe Stock)

Poll Accessibility Could Mean 60 Million More Voters

In Michigan and across the country, nearly 25% of the population encounters challenges in voting and accessing the polls. The Carter Center and …

Analysis: WI Has Yet to Eradicate 'Election Denialism'

Election denialism still could be a problem in Wisconsin and other battleground states in next year's race for the White House, according to a new …

Sales of legalized marijuana in Montana generated an estimated $2.96 million in tax revenue in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

MT Conservation Advocates Rally Support for Veto Lawsuit

In its just-released 2023 legislative scorecard, the group Montana Conservation Voters is critical of Gov. Greg Gianforte's veto of a popular …

Maine had one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country for the 2022 midterm elections with 73% of registered voters taking part. (Adobe Stock)

State Officials Warn of Threats Ahead of 2024 Election

Election officials nationwide are urging Congress to provide the funding needed to ensure a safe and secure 20-24 election. They've asked for at …

Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox and Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis are leading the Disagree Better initiative. (Adobe Stock)

'Disagree Better': Utah Gov Leads Initiative to Ease Hyper-Partisanship

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wants people to learn to disagree. As the elected chair of the National Governors Association, he is leading a campaign …

When voters sit down and talk to each other about electoral reform, their support for ranked-choice voting increases to nearly 60%, both for state primary and general elections, according to a poll by Stanford University's Deliberative Democracy Lab. (Adobe Stock)

Boston Joins National Ranked-Choice Voting Movement

The push for ranked-choice voting is gaining momentum in cities across the country, including Boston - where organizers say it will help increase …

A company that currently facilitates betting on things like the outcome of the Hollywood writers' strike is asking for permission to take bets on control of Congress after the next election. (Brian Jackson/Adobe Stock)

Feds Consider Whether to Allow Betting on Election Outcomes

A proposal to allow betting on which political party will control Congress is drawing opposition from pro-democracy groups and from a coalition of pro…

In 2022, more than 275,000 people signed up to keep polling places across the country open and fully staffed, according to Power the Polls. (Adobe Stock)

Signing Up NV Poll Workers, 'Unsung Heroes' of Democracy

Tomorrow is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, and one group is inviting Nevadans to play that critical role in the election process. César …

Effort Grows to Prevent 'Deepfakes' in NH Campaign Ads

As the 2024 presidential hopefuls ramp up their campaigns in New Hampshire, federal officials are considering new rules on so-called "deepfakes" in …

More than 1,000 days since voters went to the polls in the 2020 presidential election, the results are likely to be a topic at this week's first Republican 2024 debate in Milwaukee. (maylim/AdobeStock)

America's "Dog Days of Summer" Dogged by Politics

Voters, who couldn't be blamed for looking away from the news during the "Dog Days" of August, especially election news, instead find themselves …

Fifteen unarmed civilian protection teams exist in the United States and five more internationally, according to the Shanti Sena Network. (KozyrevaElena/Adobe Stock)

Unarmed, Skilled De-Escalation Teams Prepared for Worst of Times

When Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., needed assistance after threats during her 2020 election campaign, she turned to unarmed civilian protection in Saint …

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 22, 2023

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Civic Engagement & Voting

As 2024 vote looms, ND Tribal advocates ramp up outreach

Multiple Utah cities set to use ranked-choice voting in next election

NY rallies for Jewish democracy as Netanyahu meets UN

Looking to NC voters 'under 45' to change state politics

Georgia youths on brink of reshaping political landscape

AZ proposal for open primaries could benefit Independent voters

Pressure mounts on CT governor to upgrade election infrastructure

Arkansans Reminded to Register on National Voter Registration Day

Advocates Raising Awareness on Voter Registration Day

Indigenous Effort Aims to Get Out the Vote

Today is National Voter Registration Day

NC Group Joins Effort to Mobilize Young Voters

Washingtonians Out of Prison Can Participate in Voter Registration Day

Some Maryland Communities Lowering Voting Age to 16

About 1 in 3 Missourians Isn't Registered to Vote

PA Needs 40,000 Poll Workers for Upcoming Elections

Harvest Celebration Marks Decades-Long Quest to Address Food Insecurity

TX Joins Momentous Effort to Register Young Voters of Color

WI Part of Push to Engage With Young Voters

Bipartisan Agreement on Need for Greater Civics Education

VP Harris to Visit NAU to Help Mobilize Young Voters

Immigration Advocates Host National Day of Action Rally

New Poll: Most Voters Oppose Impeaching WI Supreme Court Justice

Experts: Young Voters Crucial for Upcoming Elections

A Call for Urgent Action to Thwart Election Denial Risks in NC

Local and State Politics Grow Increasingly 'Nationalized'

Report: GA Among Battleground States at Risk for 'Election Denialism'

Today: Virtual Session to Boost Participation for IN Voters with Disabilities

Texas Becomes Largest Republican-led State to Exit Voter Data Group

Lawsuit Seeks Removal of Donald Trump from CO Primary Ballot

Analysis: AZ at Risk for Election Denialism in 2024

Young People Face Greater Barriers to Voting as Turnout Increases

Tech Companies Scale Back Efforts to Control Election Disinformation

Environmental Report Card Released for AZ Legislature, Governor

Is Birth Control Legal? Many Missourians Unsure

Thousands of Maryland Households Qualify for Internet Subsidy

Analysis: ND Faces Moderate Threat from 'Election Denialism'

Poll Accessibility Could Mean 60 Million More Voters

Analysis: WI Has Yet to Eradicate 'Election Denialism'

MT Conservation Advocates Rally Support for Veto Lawsuit

State Officials Warn of Threats Ahead of 2024 Election

'Disagree Better': Utah Gov Leads Initiative to Ease Hyper-Partisanship

Boston Joins National Ranked-Choice Voting Movement

Feds Consider Whether to Allow Betting on Election Outcomes

Signing Up NV Poll Workers, 'Unsung Heroes' of Democracy

Effort Grows to Prevent 'Deepfakes' in NH Campaign Ads

America's "Dog Days of Summer" Dogged by Politics

Unarmed, Skilled De-Escalation Teams Prepared for Worst of Times