Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

A report by McKinney Grey Analytics found 40% of Black and Latino people are invisible to voter outreach efforts, while only 18% of white people are missing or incorrectly listed. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: 25 million Black, Latino voters missing from databases

Census data indicate among voting-age Americans, nearly 25 million Black and brown eligible voters are missing from commonly used registration …

A quarter of election officials reported being harassed or threatened in 2020. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: Election officials left positions at increasing rate since 2000

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

Nationally, turnover in election officials reached 38.7% in 2022. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: Election official turnover trend stretches two decades

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

In North Dakota's upcoming June 11th primary election, nearly 70 legislative races are on the ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

Voters are consistently reminded to pay attention to local elections. But in 2024, North Dakota groups are stressing that message even more with …

Turnover of election officials has been lower in smaller jurisdictions over the past two decades. (MyPhotoBuddy/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Steady increase in election staff changes over past two decades, report finds

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

A joint fundraising committee enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. The individual donation limit of $6,600 per candidate per election cycle remains unchanged. (Wikimedia Commons)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., is joining forces with …

A joint fundraising committee like that set up for Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich. enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has voiced her support for …

The Indiana Department of Health 2022 Pregnancy Termination Report showed March as the month when the most abortions were performed. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Advocates: Ease of access to contraception could lower accidental pregnancies

Vending machines commonly found in workplace break rooms generally contain soft drinks or snacks but one machine in Indianapolis dispenses unconventio…

Idaho's municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years. (Lane Erickson/Adobe Stock)

ID could boost local election turnout with timing change

A trio of mountain west states has similar politics and geography, but one far outpaces its neighbors in voter turnout. Voting numbers in Wyoming are …

Wayne State University was named nationally as a top 15 Voter Friendly Campus last October, out of 262 U.S. institutions. It's the only one in Michigan, according to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Student Affairs in Higher Education. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan voting: Major changes enhance access for fall elections

Michigan's upcoming fall elections will highlight significant strides in voting accessibility. Recent measures, such as nine days of early voting and …

A new law in Washington state will look into why ballots are rejected during the voting process. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

WA's new ballot curing law ensures state 'counts every voter'

The process for correcting ballot errors is set to become easier this year thanks to a bill passed in Olympia this session. Lawmakers unanimously …

Alabama's Senate Bill 1 makes it a crime for anyone, except in specific situations, to

Alabama advocacy groups sue to block restrictive new voting law

Alabama's front line advocates focused on disability, voting and civil rights are taking legal action against what they see as voter suppression…

In November, Florida voters will get to decide on ballot initiatives that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution, and authorize recreational marijuana use for people ages 21 and older. (cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Florida Supreme Court clears abortion amendment for ballot

Reproductive-rights advocates see a silver lining in the Florida Supreme Court's recent decision. The court upheld a 15-week ban, and a six-week …

While deep political divisions remain, a new PBS/Marist poll showed 81% of Americans acknowledging having friends with different political beliefs than their own. (Adobe Stock)

Poll puts spotlight on political violence concerns in U.S.

Local election leaders in North Dakota do not feel like political violence is something they will encounter but a new national poll added to the list …

Researchers say U.S. federal workers are generally high-performing, impartial and minimally corrupt compared with other countries' civil servants. (Adobe stock)

IN research: Federal workers defy 'deep state' stereotype

Hoosiers running for public office often criticize "the government," despite wanting to be part of it. Research published in The Conversation…

Almost 50% of Arizona adults believe abortion should be legal

AZ pro-choice advocates secure signatures for 2024 ballot measure

Pro-choice advocates in Arizona said they have surpassed the threshold of required signatures to put a measure on the November ballot which would add …

Decades of policies like redlining, that forced people of color into neighborhoods surrounded by industrial polluters, have led to a host of negative health outcomes, including cancers and premature death. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers took a first step toward addressing decades of toxic pollution disproportionately impacting low-income neighborhoods and …

Ohio House Democratic Leader Allison Russo, left, and Ohio Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio, right. (Ohio Statehouse official photos)

Ohio minority leaders Antonio, Russo navigate GOP supermajority

By Megan Henry for the Ohio Capital Journal.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for Ohio Capital Journal-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

Supporters of Colorado's House Bill 1379 said it will help protect Coloradans from flooding, help ensure safe and sufficient drinking water and help preserve fishing, boating, and other recreational opportunities across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Restoring protections for Colorado endangered waters and wetlands

Colorado lawmakers are considering legislation to restore protections to key waters and wetlands struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court last year in a …

According to research from the Brennan Center, if the voter participation gap had not existed in 2020, 9 million more ballots would have been cast. (Adobe Stock)

Southern groups advocate for democracy amid legislative challenges

In the battle for democracy, grassroots organizations throughout the South are actively engaging voters on the issues that directly affect their …

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

Southern groups are mobilizing to protect democracy and empower voters to address the issues that impact their communities, including in North …

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…

A Republican-led provision included in legislation to avert a government shutdown last week effectively bans LGBTQ+ pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies. (Hodim/AdobeStock)

NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates

After 30 years of championing the rights of LGBTQ+ people, Equality New Mexico has its finger on the pulse of supportive legislation and has made its …

Embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agrees to deal to have felony securities fraud charges dropped against him. (Alice Linahan, Voices Empower/Wikimedia)

TX Attorney General gets deal but legal issues not over

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has emerged from a long court case with another win. After nine years and multiple delays, prosecutors …

As of 2020, roughly 29 million eligible voters did not have a non-expired driver's license and more than 7 million lacked any other form of non-expired, government-issued photo identification, according to the nonpartisan group VoteRiders. (Adobe Stock)

NH House passes strict voter ID bill allowing registration challenges

The New Hampshire House passed a bill to eliminate any exceptions to the state's voter ID law and requires documented proof of citizenship in order to…

Wyoming voters who participated in the presidential election of 2020 but not the general election in 2022 have likely been purged from the state's voter rolls and need to re-register with their county clerk before being allowed to vote in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

WY purged 86,000 voters, must re-register for presidential election

More than 86,000 Wyoming voters have been purged from voter rolls, thanks to a state law requiring county clerks to remove people who did not vote in …

OpenSecrets has tracked more than $2.8 billion in dark money spending and contributions reported to the Federal Elections Commission since the Supreme Court's Citizens United v. FEC decision in 2010. (pla2na/Adobe Stock)

'Dark money' floods 2024 elections

Undisclosed funding, or "dark money," is pumping into the 2024 election cycle. Political spending by donors who stay hidden is reaching record …

Indigenous people will be discussing tribal identity on and off Montana reservations and learn what it means to be

Indigenous conference to address cultural identity

Billings-based Western Native Voice is holding its annual membership conference in Great Falls starting tomorrow, and members are discussing …

Gathering signatures for ballot measures can be hard during the snowy winter months. (MAriusz/Adobe Stock)

ID bill could add restrictions to ballot initiative process

Idaho lawmakers are once again looking to change the ballot initiative process in the state. With a little more than a week left in the session…

U.S. researchers said there is a belief that boosting lawmaker pay might lead to more working-class legislators, but their information gathering does not back that up. North Dakota lawmakers are part-time, only meeting in Bismarck every other year. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Working class woefully underrepresented in state legislatures

In North Dakota and all other states, the backgrounds of people serving in state legislatures largely leave out a key demographic, the working class…

As with most presidential elections, Wisconsin is viewed as a

Constitutional amendment highlights WI primary ballot

Early voting is underway for the Wisconsin primary election and while the presidential primaries already appear settled for now, pro-democracy …

Most candidate elections in Arizona are determined in the primary, where only 23% of registered adults voted in August 2022, according to Make Elections Fair AZ. (Adobe Stock)

AZ holds its PPE, bipartisan group renews calls for more competition

Today, people across Arizona are voting in the Presidential Preference Election, a chance for registered Democrats and Republicans to choose their …

Out-of-state money is pouring into Texas as the contentious issue of

Voucher, 'school choice' advocates work to influence Texas elections

By Jimmy Cloutier for OpenSecrets.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for Texas News Service reporting for the OpenSecrets-Public News Service Collaboratio…

A bill limiting campaign contributions to candidates is expected to head to Gov. Tina Kotek's desk soon. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

New campaign finance law limits OR donor influence

Oregon lawmakers took a step toward limiting the impact of money on elections during the legislative session. Lawmakers passed House Bill 2024…

In cities across the nation, local governments are hearing more feedback and discourse from residents about a range of matters during regular meetings. Those include broader issues, such as calls for ceasefire resolutions in light of the Israel-Hamas war. (Adobe Stock)

Possible public-comment overhaul stirs backlash in Fargo

Public comment has long been a staple of local government meetings. But in North Dakota and other parts of the country, this engagement tool faces a …

Half of Americans expect misinformation spread by AI to impact who wins the 2024 election, according to an Axios-Morning Consult poll. (Adobe Stock)

Concerns around AI ramp up as 2024 election approaches

As we inch closer to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, experts are discussing the dangers posed by artificial intelligence and disinformation …

In the Alabama Legislature, Senate Bill 57 would ban protestors near residences, defining

Alabama grassroots groups fight restrictive legislation

In the thick of Alabama's legislative battles and with election season peaking, a surge of controversial bills is sparking concern among civic groups…

It's estimated that more than 1 million immigrants live in Georgia. (Adobe Stock)

GA advocates rally against legislation aimed at immigrants

Advocates for immigrants gathered at the Georgia State Capitol this week, urging lawmakers to stop legislation they see as potentially harmful…

House Bill 1264 drew sharp criticism as it made its way through the Indiana General Assembly. (Adobe stock)

IN gov signs controversial voting bill into law

Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed legislation to purge Indiana's voter rolls, with the goal of preventing election fraud. The Republican-sponsored bill …

A new AARP survey of California women age 40 and older found 71% are concerned about affordable health care and 68% are worried about access to affordable long-term care. (Ink drop/Adobestock) A new AARP survey of California women age 40 and older found that 71% are concerned about affordable health care, and 68% are worried about access to affordable long-term care. (Ink drop/Adobestock)

Survey: CA women age 40-plus highly likely to vote

Nearly 80% of California women age 40 and older say they are highly motivated to vote, according to a new survey from AARP. Researchers for the new …

Washington state voters will see a half dozen initiatives on their ballots come November 5. (adogslifephoto/Adobe Stock)

Ballot measures backed by conservatives could give blow to WA budget

While three initiatives received the go-ahead to appear on Washington's November ballot at the end the legislative session last week, three that have …

Colorado law aims to keep voter districts fair by taking the redistricting process, which occurs after each once-a-decade U.S. Census count, out of the hands of elected officials and into the hands of independent commissions. (Adobe Stock)

Weld County’s Latino community wins court case on gerrymandered maps

Weld County commissioners are headed back to the drawing board, after a county district court ruled that their voter district maps created after the 2…

Voting women age 50 and older are split on this year's presidential candidates. (Simone/Adobe Stock)

International Women's Day: 50+ women make up influential voting bloc

It's International Women's Day, and AARP is highlighting the important role older women will play in this year's election. The organization recently …

Students and staff from colleges marched in Sacramento on Thursday calling for lawmakers to address the high cost of tuition and housing. (Matthew Hardy/CFT)

College students, staff rally in Sacramento for 'March in March'

Hundreds of college students and staff from across the state held a march and rally in Sacramento on Thursday, calling for changes to make higher …

Abortion rights and protecting democracy were among the topics highlighted during President Joe Biden's State of the Union address. (Adobe Stock)

WI voter hopes Biden speech leads to more meaningful discourse

From the economy to humanitarian aid, President Joe Biden touched on many topics in last night's State of the Union address. With attention now back …

One of 50 adult citizens, or 2% of the total U.S. voting eligible population, is disenfranchised due to a current or previous felony conviction. (Adobe Stock)

AL lawmakers look at restoring voting rights for people with past convictions

Super Tuesday was just another day for tens of thousands of people who cannot vote because of past felony convictions. In Alabama, state lawmakers …

Minnesota recently joined nearly two dozen other states that restore the voting rights of people who are formerly incarcerated, immediately upon their release. (Adobe Stock)

Voting rights restoration highlights Super Tuesday vote in MN

More than a dozen states hold presidential primaries on this Super Tuesday. Minnesota is among them, and the election is seen as a big opportunity …

After lawmakers passed House Bill 1232 in 2021, standardized Colorado Option health insurance was developed with extensive input from consumers, insurers, health providers, rural communities and other stakeholders. (Adobe Stock)

Tracking effectiveness of Colorado’s Public Option health coverage

Colorado's standardized health-insurance plan, known as the Colorado Option, is changing how consumers interact with insurance, according to a new …

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PNS Daily Newscast - April 16, 2024

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Civic Engagement & Voting

Report: 25 million Black, Latino voters missing from databases

Report: Election officials left positions at increasing rate since 2000

Report: Election official turnover trend stretches two decades

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

Steady increase in election staff changes over past two decades, report finds

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

Advocates: Ease of access to contraception could lower accidental pregnancies

ID could boost local election turnout with timing change

Michigan voting: Major changes enhance access for fall elections

WA's new ballot curing law ensures state 'counts every voter'

Alabama advocacy groups sue to block restrictive new voting law

Florida Supreme Court clears abortion amendment for ballot

Poll puts spotlight on political violence concerns in U.S.

IN research: Federal workers defy 'deep state' stereotype

AZ pro-choice advocates secure signatures for 2024 ballot measure

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

Ohio minority leaders Antonio, Russo navigate GOP supermajority

Restoring protections for Colorado endangered waters and wetlands

Southern groups advocate for democracy amid legislative challenges

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates

TX Attorney General gets deal but legal issues not over

NH House passes strict voter ID bill allowing registration challenges

WY purged 86,000 voters, must re-register for presidential election

'Dark money' floods 2024 elections

Indigenous conference to address cultural identity

ID bill could add restrictions to ballot initiative process

Study: Working class woefully underrepresented in state legislatures

Constitutional amendment highlights WI primary ballot

AZ holds its PPE, bipartisan group renews calls for more competition

Voucher, 'school choice' advocates work to influence Texas elections

New campaign finance law limits OR donor influence

Possible public-comment overhaul stirs backlash in Fargo

Concerns around AI ramp up as 2024 election approaches

Alabama grassroots groups fight restrictive legislation

GA advocates rally against legislation aimed at immigrants

IN gov signs controversial voting bill into law

Survey: CA women age 40-plus highly likely to vote

Ballot measures backed by conservatives could give blow to WA budget

Weld County’s Latino community wins court case on gerrymandered maps

International Women's Day: 50+ women make up influential voting bloc

College students, staff rally in Sacramento for 'March in March'

WI voter hopes Biden speech leads to more meaningful discourse

AL lawmakers look at restoring voting rights for people with past convictions

Voting rights restoration highlights Super Tuesday vote in MN

Tracking effectiveness of Colorado’s Public Option health coverage