Elections
GOP-backed bill would help verify the results of hand-counted ballots in Texas
The proposal would require counties who choose to hand-count to use ballots that can be scanned and tabulated by a voting machine.
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit that challenged Georgia’s electronic voting machine system
The judge dismissed a 2017 lawsuit challenging security threats of Georgia's electronic voting machines used in statewide elections since 2020.
Attempts to remove technology from SD elections lose in court after losing at the polls
Attempts to ban tabulating machines and other technology from elections have fared no better in South Dakota courts than they did in several county elections.
Can VotingWorks’ publicly viewable software code help restore faith in voting machines?
The nonprofit vendor argues that its approach will help satisfy demands for transparency and security.
Trump’s cuts to federal cybersecurity agency CISA leave election officials worried
The agency partnered with state and local offices and helped combat misinformation. But under Trump, about 130 of its employees have been fired.
Misinformation expert used AI to draft testimony containing misinformation about AI
Stanford’s Jeff Hancock submitted the document as an expert declaration in a case involving a new Minnesota law that makes it illegal to use AI to mislead voters prior to an election.
Elections offices slowly turn to .gov domain in the fight against misinformation
Uptake has been slow, even as the federal government has made it free. Experts said it could help election officials stand apart as purveyors of truthful information.
How tech impacted “the information environment” of the 2024 election
Artificial and social media influenced voter behavior and political opinions, experts say.
States overwhelmingly approve noncitizen voting bans
Voters in all eight states approved constitutional amendments with at least 60% of the vote, even as experts and state leaders say the issue is exceedingly rare.
What voters had to say about abortion rights in 2024
The majority of ballot measures to protect abortion rights passed, but concerns about women’s health outcomes remain.
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Few surprises in races for governor, ballot measures
No seats flipped among state executives, while most voters approved protecting abortion rights and rejected some changes to how their elections are administered.
What we’re watching this Election Day
Stay tuned for results coverage and analysis through the coming days in the key races and ballot measures Route Fifty is tracking across the country.
Russian email domains sent uncredible bomb threats to polling places, FBI says
Kremlin-backed actors have a long record of sowing fear and disinformation into the U.S. election process.
Early voting is open and going smoothly
Despite some isolated events, one election expert says it is remarkable how “few problems we’ve heard about.”
Massachusetts voters to consider ditching high school graduation requirements
The ballot measure is seen as a referendum on the role of standardized testing in schools. If Massachusetts drops the requirement, will others follow?
Don’t rush into marijuana legalization, experts say
Americans are eager to legalize marijuana through ballot measures. But experts urge state lawmakers to exercise caution when implementing those laws.
Incumbent San Francisco mayor faces uphill battle
Crime, homelessness and a lack of affordable housing could doom London Breed’s bid for a second term.
In Las Vegas, a political dynasty nears its end. Who will replace it?
It’s the first time since 1995 that Sin City voters can’t select a Goodman for mayor. Instead, voters will choose between two politicos in a contentious race for the top job.
In this battleground state, a fight is raging over ballot drop boxes
In one city, the mayor faces a criminal investigation for carting away its lone drop box. Others are citing claims about fraud and opting out of using drop boxes for November’s election.
Democrats cast doubt on whether the ‘Montana Miracle’ is making housing affordable
Gov. Greg Gianforte spearheaded a bipartisan and widely applauded effort to make it easier to build homes, but his Democratic opponent says housing shortages and high property taxes are still hammering Montana residents.
