Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

The California Voter Foundation said the most common question they get is,

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

CA lawmakers consider bill to reduce rejection of ballots

During every big election, tens of thousands of California voters make a mistake on their mail-in ballot and often get differing advice on how to fix …

A global survey of 130,000 people across 125 countries found that 89% say their government should do more to fight climate change. (Adobe Stock)

9 in 10 surveyed in CO, across globe back climate action

Nine in ten people in Colorado and across the globe are worried about climate change and want governments to do something about it, according to a …

The Indiana Citizen reports Lt. Gov. Beckwith also criticized

'Three-Fifths' comments ignite Indiana controversy

An Indiana debate over history and power is growing. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith recently defended the Three-Fifths Compromise in a social media video…

Alisa Advani spoke on May 1 to a crowd of hundred of Hoosiers outside the Indiana Statehouse. (Joe Ulery/Public News Service)

IN 50501 movement expands summer protests

Indiana activists with the 50501 movement will hold new protests this summer against the Trump administration. The effort, which stands for "50 …

Since Seattle's Democracy Voucher program was implemented in 2017, data show campaign donations from large contributions, over $250, have decreased by 93%. (Suriyo/Adobe Stock)

WA voting rights advocates push for democracy vouchers state-wide

Seattle's City Council voted last week to put the city's Democracy Voucher Program on the ballot to be renewed in August and supporters of the program…

Among the many Montana bills Western Native Voice advocated for this session is one recognizing Indigenous People's Day, in conjunction with Columbus Day. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Montana-based Native advocacy group opens D.C. office

On the heels of a busy Montana legislative session, the advocacy group Western Native Voice is setting its sights higher and opening a Washington…

Trump won 82 of Ohio's 88 counties in 2024, including Mahoning and Trumbull, two former Democratic strongholds, highlighting the state's ongoing political realignment. (Adobe Stock)

Power shift: Executive authority and Ohio’s political lean

President Donald Trump has completed his first 100 days in office, and experts are watching how his executive actions may play out in the courts and …

About 54% of Latino voters in the poll describe the state of the economy as

Trump's first 100 days spark 'concern' among NV Latino voters

A new bipartisan poll looks at how Latino voters in Nevada are feeling about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office - and pollsters describ…

Poll: AZ Latino voters 'discouraged' after Trump's first 100 days

A new bipartisan poll looks at how Latino voters in Arizona are feeling about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office - and pollsters descri…

A peaceful May Day demonstration will start at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, and end at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse. (Leonid Andronov/Adobe Stock)

'May Day' AZ protesters rally against Trump administration

Many Arizonans plan to show up at the State Capitol on Thursday, May Day, to protest potential cuts to safety net programs and advocate for public …

Wyoming teachers, firefighters and postal workers are some of the groups expected at the May Day rally Thursday in Casper. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming teachers, workers gather in Casper for May Day

Wyoming labor unions will gather Thursday in Casper in honor of May Day, a holiday celebrated in 80 countries commemorating the labor movement and …

Since 2020, Nevada legislators have increased access to the state's Effective Absentee System for Elections. It is now open for Nevada residents with disabilities and tribal voters who live on a colony or reservation in Nevada. (Aliaksandr Marko/Adobe Stock)

NV considers expanding internet voting, election expert says 'bad idea'

Nevadans do a lot online, from paying bills to shopping and even voting. Senate Bill 74, which would require the Secretary of State to allow …

The Young Activist Leaders Program provides a place for young people to ask questions, educate each other, and explore social justice work together. (Carlo/Adobe Stock)

WA youth: Money for medicaid, not war

A group of Washington youths, fresh from a grassroots leadership development program, is speaking up against the Trump Administration's plans to cut …

May Day is a traditional day for the immigrant rights movement to uplift workers and honor immigrant families. Undocumented immigrants contributed nearly $700 million in taxes to Oregon in 2023. (Susan Vineyard/Adobe Stock)

A May Day mayday: A distress call for immigrant rights rally Thursday

On May 1, Oregon labor and immigrants' rights organizations are gathering in Salem calling for justice for immigrant workers and an end to mass …

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)

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)

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 …

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

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Civic Engagement & Voting