Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

Bonnie Miller, President of the League of Women Voters of Arkansas, said

Monday, April 28, 2025

AR League of Women Voters sues over ballot initiative restriction

Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester is facing legal action from the League of Women Voters of Arkansas. The organization filed a federal lawsuit …

In a North Minneapolis strip mall, Nonviolent Peaceforce recently opened a community space to work with youth to prevent violence. Officials worry about keeping it open after a key federal grant was cut without warning. (Photo courtesy Nonviolent Peaceforce)

Monday, April 28, 2025

Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Violence prevention groups said building trust in vulnerable neighborhoods is key to their success but a global humanitarian organization worries abou…

The United States has announced investments of more than $150 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure since 2021, contributing to a 40% increase in EV sales in 2022, according to the Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 28, 2025

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Congress is preparing to vote Wednesday on whether to roll back Ohio's authority to set tougher vehicle emissions standards. New research from …

Every dollar invested in SNAP generates between $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. There are currently 3,100 authorized SNAP retailers in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Coloradans' hand-written letters on SNAP cuts heading to nation's capital

Two leading Colorado nonprofits working to end hunger are collecting hand-written letters from a wide range of people who would be directly impacted i…

Opponents of President Donald Trump's executive order on elections said it could also target Americans living abroad, including military personnel serving overseas. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Secretary of State demands proof of noncitizen voting

Adrian Fontes, Arizona's Secretary of State, argued there is nothing wrong with American elections but some leaders in Washington, D.C., disagree…

Iowa's individual income tax rate ranges from 4.40% to 5.70%, according to the Tax Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa rights activists plan to fight social service cuts

Groups working for human rights causes in Iowa warn proposed cuts being debated in Congress would trickle down to the people least able to sustain the…

Among those who voted down Montana House Bill 838, which would have state Supreme Court candidates to identify a political party while running, were Rep. Marta Bertoglio, R-Clancy; Rep. Sherry Essmann, R-Billings; and Valerie Moore, R-Plentywood. (Adobe Stock)

Push to make Montana judicial elections partisan fails

A handful of Montana bills pushing for partisan judicial elections as part of a broader movement in the state were defeated this month. Montana law …

There are 11 federally recognized Native American tribes in Wisconsin. Indigenous people make up about 1.5% of the state's population. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal communities see historic turnout at Wisconsin polls

Voter turnout from tribal communities in Wisconsin has increased in recent years, with historic numbers for the state Supreme Court election this …

As of 2025, 14 states and Washington, D.C., have laws requiring employers to offer paid sick leave. (Dzmitry/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Voters oppose MO House repeal of Prop A's sick-leave provision

Despite voter approval in November, Missouri lawmakers are moving to undo part of Proposition A, specifically, the clause requiring employers to …

When a tariff is imposed, the importing business pays the tax to the U.S. Treasury Department. Importers then pass much of the added cost to consumers. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Texas is the number one exporting state in the nation - and although tariffs with Mexico and Canada have been delayed, Texans are still uneasy about …

Elon Musk claims Social Security can be cut by $500 billion without reducing people's benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Social Security cuts could impact one in six Coloradans

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, plans to cut 7,000 jobs from the U.S. Social Security Administration as it works to reduce the size …

Dozens of voting jurisdictions across the U.S. have begun to use different voting options, like ranked-choice voting, over the past few years. The movement is seen as a way to boost civic engagement as more people 'tune out' political campaigns. (Adobe Stock)

ND moves closer to banning alternative voting methods

Final action is expected soon on a plan that would prevent North Dakota cities and counties from using alternative voting methods for local elections…

Around 500 people gathered at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pa., for a town hall to discuss concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and Social Security. (Anna Gustafson)

PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would allow states to let people who lack documentation attest to their citizenship but authorizes a 5-year sentence for any election official who accepts incorrect documentation. (mybaitshop/Adobe Stock)

U.S. House to eye bill that would make it harder to register to vote

Pro-democracy groups are speaking out against a bill being considered next week in the U.S. House of Representatives to require proof of citizenship …

The U.S. Constitution specifies Congress and the states can set the rules for our elections, not the president. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona voting rights advocates oppose Trump's election order

A number of lawsuits have been filed in opposition to President Donald Trump's executive order which could reshape how U.S. elections are run and the …

A national day of protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for unprecedented policy changes is scheduled across all 50 states tomorrow. (third act.org)

NM protestors join nationwide 'Hands Off! Day of Action' Saturday

Protestors in more than a dozen New Mexico cities will join thousands nationwide Saturday in what is expected to be the largest single-day protest sin…

The International Renewable Energy Certificate site says 370,000 Ohio homes are powered by solar energy. (Adobe Stock)

OH environmental group fears federal cuts will hurt job opportunities

More protest rallies are occurring in response to President Donald Trump's executive orders alongside Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency…

This week, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined 22 other states plus Washington, D.C., in suing to challenge the Trump Administration's cut of more than $500 million in public health funding. (Adobe Stock)

Saturday 'Hands Off' rallies in PA to protest Trump policies

More than 1,000 protests against President Donald Trump's policies are planned nationwide Saturday, including 98 in Pennsylvania. The "Hands Off" …

Marches, rallies and protests will take place at state capitals, federal buildings, congressional offices and city centers. (Hands Off!)

'Hands Off!' protests slated for NV, around the country

Pro-worker and pro-democracy organizers and activists in Nevada are coming together to oppose some of the policies of President Donald Trump…

The Indiana School Boards Association opposes a bill to add party affiliations to school board ballots but pledged to adapt if it becomes law. The organization urged board members to set aside politics and focus on students' needs. (Adobe stock)

Indiana lawmakers push school board races into party politics

Indiana's school board elections moved closer to becoming partisan after the House of Representatives narrowly approved a bill requiring candidates to…

Nearly 100 protests are planned on Saturday in Washington and Oregon. (Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

Thousands to rally across WA on Saturday to protest Trump policies

More than 1,000 protests against the policies of the Trump Administration are set for this Saturday across the country, with 50 planned in Washington …

More than 95% of all voters in the United States use paper ballots in elections. (Adobe Stock)

CO lawmakers work to protect voter rights after Trump elections order

Some Colorado lawmakers are scrambling to protect voter rights after President Donald Trump issued an executive order to require proof of citizenship …

Last year, more than 15 organizations and some Washington state legislators asked the Department of Corrections to stop punishing incarcerated people for participating in the legislative process. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

Groups advocate for more civic engagement in WA prisons

A bill known as the Act for Civic Engagement did not make it out of committee in Olympia before the deadline but advocates for people who are incarcer…

Protestors lined the streets of North Hollywood on Feb. 17 for a

More than 100 rallies planned Saturday in CA to protest Trump policies

More than 1,000 protests against the policies of President Donald Trump are set for Saturday across the country, with 117 planned in California alone…

Good-government groups have long argued that in American democracy, one citizen - not one dollar - should equal one vote. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SCOTUS to blame for money pouring into elections

Outside groups spent more than $45 million in congressional races across the Commonwealth, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. It's …

In its 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled spending money for political purposes was protected by the First Amendment. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Blame SCOTUS for money buying elections

Tomorrow's Wisconsin Supreme Court election is now the most expensive judicial race in American history and a new report said ironically, one of the …

A Trump administration executive order this week aims to bypass congressional approval typically needed to change election laws. (JM_GUERRERO/Adobe Stock)<br />

Trump tests presidential authority in revamping NM, U.S. voting laws

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump to dramatically overhaul voting laws is unlikely to stand up in court, according to an election …

Analysis: Corruption in U.S elections legal thanks to SCOTUS

After Elon Musk, a man once worth $327 billion, spent a quarter billion to elect Donald Trump, he was rewarded with unprecedented powers over the …

Voters in Wisconsin's April 1 election will also select a State Superintendent of Public Instruction, local judges and public officials at all levels across the state. (Adobe Stock)

WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Political maneuvers continue with the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race less than a week away - the latest coming from the White House. In the …

There are close to 19,000 federal workers in Iowa, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many have been laid off as part of an aggressive effort by the Trump administration to downsize the government. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa town halls find 'empty chairs'

Overflow crowds are showing up at town hall meetings in Iowa, which had been planned to allow people to ask questions of their congressional …

Could an anti-Pride flag bill cost Utah the Sundance Film Festival?

The future of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah could depend on whether an anti-Pride bill is signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox. The governor has …

In a 2020 Pew Research Center study, 40% of eligible voters who are immigrants said they speak English

NV legislation would expand voter language access

Nevada voting rights advocates are rallying support for a bill to expand language access for voters during elections. According to Census data…

A Minnesota coalition pushing for a bill to allow

MN students could get extra nod for 'making the civics grade'

High school seniors will soon be counting down the days until graduation and in Minnesota. But students from future graduating classes could get a …

According to the 2025 Conservation in the West poll, 65% of Western voters oppose giving state governments control over national public lands. That's up from 56% in 2017. (Adobe Stock)

Opponent calls MT resolution 'slap in the face' to public land owners

Months after the nation's highest court declined to hear a Utah case about ownership of public lands, a Montana House committee will debate whether …

An intergenerational dialogue held on Jan. 29 brought together participants from ages 8 to 82 to discuss important issues, post-election. (Ed Ritger)<br />

CA groups bring generations together to work on society’s biggest problems

In these divisive times, nonprofit groups are stepping up to boost civic engagement by facilitating intergenerational dialogue. The Creating …

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has until March 24, to decide whether to veto Senate Bill 813 or sign the legislation into law. (Adobe Stock)

VA bill would regulate frequency of voter roll purges

Legislation in Virginia would prohibit any systematic removals of people from voter rolls at least 90 days before an election. Last August, …

Slightly more than 55% of registered West Virginia voters cast ballots in the 2024 General Election, according to Ballotpedia. (Adobe Stock)

WV lawmakers move to speed voter purges, tighten absentee ballot rules

Absentee ballot restrictions and shortening the amount of time it takes to purge inactive voters from the voting rolls are priorities for West Virgini…

Marissa Carpio with the Wyoming-based Equality State Policy Center estimated one of every 10 bills in Wyoming's 2025 legislative session were related to elections. (Adobe Stock)

Governor, critics call out 'boilerplate' bills from WY 2025 session

Gov. Mark Gordon has just a few days left to make final decisions on bills passed during the Wyoming legislative session. Both fair election …

PoliChic Engagement Fund says it's critical Texans make sure lawmakers are voting in their public interest. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Texans encouraged to use their voices during current legislative session

Many Texans feel strongly, one way or another, about the proposed school voucher bill before state lawmakers. Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed a plan to …

Senate Bill 10 is expected to receive edits and a committee vote next week. If approved, it will move to the full House for consideration. (Adobe stock)

Indiana students fight bill blocking college IDs at polls

Indiana lawmakers are considering a plan to block college students from using school-issued IDs to vote. Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen, said it will …

Federal cuts put election security in jeopardy, AZ Secretary of State takes action

Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State, said he was not shocked but disappointed when he found out the Trump administration had cut funding for …

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 325-thousand Marylanders are members of a union. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Unions surge as Trump admin takes aim at labor watchdog

Since 2021, union elections in Maryland and across the country have more than doubled - and union election wins are at a 15-year high. But …

A rally for property tax cuts is set for Monday at the Indiana Statehouse. Organizers have encouraged attendees to wear green to signal their opposition to high property taxes. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana property tax fight grows as new plan adds to debate

Indiana lawmakers introduced a third property tax plan this week, aiming to protect local governments from funding cuts while offering minimal relief …

According to Wisconsin's Judicial Code of Conduct, judges are not required to recuse themselves based on an endorsement or campaign contributions. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WI’s ‘nonpartisan’ Supreme Court race is anything but

Early voting for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race starts next week and, although the seat is technically nonpartisan, both candidates have clear …

Public polling has indicated that certain budget-cutting moves and tariffs pursued by the Trump administration are not resonating with voters, with some frustration spilling over into town hall meeting hosted by members of Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of 'town halls' frustrates MN voters

Republicans in Washington, D.C. remain focused on greatly reducing federal spending. However, a backlash is mounting in Congressional districts…

Arizona's 13 mostly rural counties are viewed as conservative and Republican-leaning but in Santa Cruz County with a mostly Latino population and Apache County with a mostly Native American population, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. (Adobe Stock)

Rural, working-class Arizonans feel forgotten. Democrats need to wake up

A coalition of rural, progressive Democratic organizations is urging the new chair of the national party to invest more in rural and working-class …

Data show the percentage of people who say they adhere to or support Christian Nationalist ideals has remained stable since 2022. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

WA groups work to counter Christian Nationalism

Nationwide, it is estimated about one-third of Americans either adhere to Christian Nationalist ideals or sympathize with them. Groups working for …

Tennesseans with disabilities advocate for essential services and defend their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Tennessee Disability Coalition)

TN Disability Coalition hosts 'Liberty Not Limits' day on the Hill

Tennessee's Disability Day on the Hill is an opportunity for people living with a disability to unite, and engage in the legislative process…

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Civic Engagement & Voting

AR League of Women Voters sues over ballot initiative restriction

Federal cuts bring abrupt halt to community peacebuilding in Minneapolis

Ohio's EV progress at risk as Congress considers emissions rollback

Coloradans' hand-written letters on SNAP cuts heading to nation's capital

AZ Secretary of State demands proof of noncitizen voting

Iowa rights activists plan to fight social service cuts

Push to make Montana judicial elections partisan fails

Tribal communities see historic turnout at Wisconsin polls

Poll: Voters oppose MO House repeal of Prop A's sick-leave provision

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Social Security cuts could impact one in six Coloradans

ND moves closer to banning alternative voting methods

PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

U.S. House to eye bill that would make it harder to register to vote

Arizona voting rights advocates oppose Trump's election order

NM protestors join nationwide 'Hands Off! Day of Action' Saturday

OH environmental group fears federal cuts will hurt job opportunities

Saturday 'Hands Off' rallies in PA to protest Trump policies

'Hands Off!' protests slated for NV, around the country

Indiana lawmakers push school board races into party politics

Thousands to rally across WA on Saturday to protest Trump policies

CO lawmakers work to protect voter rights after Trump elections order

Groups advocate for more civic engagement in WA prisons

More than 100 rallies planned Saturday in CA to protest Trump policies

Report: SCOTUS to blame for money pouring into elections

Report: Blame SCOTUS for money buying elections

Trump tests presidential authority in revamping NM, U.S. voting laws

Analysis: Corruption in U.S elections legal thanks to SCOTUS

WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Iowa town halls find 'empty chairs'

Could an anti-Pride flag bill cost Utah the Sundance Film Festival?

NV legislation would expand voter language access

MN students could get extra nod for 'making the civics grade'

Opponent calls MT resolution 'slap in the face' to public land owners

CA groups bring generations together to work on society’s biggest problems

VA bill would regulate frequency of voter roll purges

WV lawmakers move to speed voter purges, tighten absentee ballot rules

Governor, critics call out 'boilerplate' bills from WY 2025 session

Texans encouraged to use their voices during current legislative session

Indiana students fight bill blocking college IDs at polls

Federal cuts put election security in jeopardy, AZ Secretary of State takes action

Report: Unions surge as Trump admin takes aim at labor watchdog

Indiana property tax fight grows as new plan adds to debate

WI’s ‘nonpartisan’ Supreme Court race is anything but

Lack of 'town halls' frustrates MN voters

Rural, working-class Arizonans feel forgotten. Democrats need to wake up

WA groups work to counter Christian Nationalism

TN Disability Coalition hosts 'Liberty Not Limits' day on the Hill