Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature set aside $500,000 for local election offices to improve voting access for those with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN

Early voting begins today in Minnesota and the state has implemented policy moves with the intent of making voting easier. Nonpartisan civic …

Nebraska is one of 10 states to confirmed abortion-related constitutional amendment measures on the ballot in November. (Alcorn Imagery/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

NE ballot initiatives survive legal challenges

Some ballot initiatives this year have taken more than voter signatures to get onto the ballot in Nebraska. They've already withstood major court …

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling for Citizens United in 2010, a handful of wealthy donors have dominated electoral giving and spending in America's political campaigns. (AddMeshCube/Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's

A new analysis of money contributed to 2024 congressional candidates showed women contribute about as frequently as men but dollar amounts are signifi…

In the latest AARP Wisconsin poll, the most important policy issues for older voters in the Badger State include immigration and border security, the economy and jobs, and inflation and rising prices. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some …

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

47 days until Election Day, AZ Congressman has message for young voters

New poll results show 80% of likely Arizona voters believe American democracy is under threat. The new survey from the Center for the Future of …

Ohio is among 13 jurisdictions requiring Saturday and Sunday hours for early voting. (PX Media/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Reports highlight Ohio's evolving voting options for 2024

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election. The latest reports from …

Critics of Colorado Amendment 80 warn the move would siphon taxpayer dollars away from already underfunded public schools into private religious schools. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

Colorado voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution to ensure families have school choice as a fundamental right. Kallie Leyba…

Student protests against the Israeli war in Gaza rocked college campuses nationwide last school year. More than 3,200 students were arrested. (Adobe Stock) <br /> <br />

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

College students press Israeli divestment campaign as school year begins

As college anti-war protests enter a second school year, students are maintaining pressure on administrators to cut all financial ties with the …

The League of Women Voter of Pennsylvania, along with the Brennan Center for Justice, is part of a conversation today on safety at the polls ahead of the general election. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

PA group works to educate voters on deadlines, registration, mail-in ballots

As the November 5 general election fast approaches, there's a push for more voter education in the Keystone State. It's National Voter Registration …

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Election Assistance Commission, there are approximately 168 million registered voters in the United States. (Framestock/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

MI voting group energized for National Voter Registration Day

As Michigan gears up for November's pivotal presidential election, the League of Women Voters of Michigan is ramping up efforts to make this National …

Early voting for the upcoming general election runs from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. (Rob Goebel/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

TX League of Women Voters participates in National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are holding voter registration events across the …

People are reminded to check their voter registration status on National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 17. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and some young people in Washington state are encouraging people in their age group to ensure they're …

In breaking down Minnesota's Latino population by age, nearly 223,000 are working-age adults between 18 and 64 years old. (Adobe stock)

In MN, leadership, culture variation part of Hispanic Heritage Month

Over the weekend, Hispanic Heritage Month got underway. In Minnesota, people are recognizing the diversity within these populations, as well as …

The Brookings Institution, a nonpartisan research group, gave South Dakota a

SD voting advocates hope to avoid ballot challenges seen in primary

Just a few months after some South Dakota absentee ballots were illegally challenged, officials are concerned slow mail delivery could affect …

Urban districts and districts with the greatest proportions of economically disadvantaged and Black students have more novice teachers. (Reese/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI educators sound alarm about the future of teaching

Educators in Michigan and nationwide are voicing concerns politics are demoralizing teachers and discouraging others from entering the profession at a…

If you want to register to vote on the same day as the election, you need to have a valid Nevada driver's license or ID card, according to Vote 411. (Adobe Stock)

NV advocates ready for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday

National Voter Registration Day is tomorrow, and voting-rights advocates in Nevada want to ensure everyone is set to make their voice heard in …

Youth Truth sponsors workshops to empower students to find their voice and get involved in their communities. (Ruby Wallau/YouthTruth)

Survey: Only 53% of high school students think voting is important

About 53% of high school students think voting is important, according to a survey out today from the nonprofit Youth Truth. Researchers polled 115,0…

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals child poverty in America increased slightly in 2023. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

During this week's presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed reviving the Child Tax Credit, which was part of the American Rescue …

Voting-rights advocates want Congress to allocate at least $75 million in the FY25 budget. Although it's still quite low, it's an increase over FY24 funding levels. (Adobe Stock)

NY groups expand support for federal voting rights bills

New York groups are building support with federal lawmakers for several voting-rights bills. In passing the Freedom to Vote Act, the John R…

According to a poll of 50-64-year-olds, top issues of concern are strengthening the economy (80%), defending against terrorism (76%), and making the Social Security system financially sound (73%). (Adobe Stock)

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

Voters over age 50 reliably show up to the polls in large numbers but sometimes candidates overlook them. In 2020, 138,000 South Dakotans ages 45-64 …

Trump holds Tucson campaign rally, his first since debate

Former President and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump held a Thursday campaign rally in Tucson, his first since this week's debate with Vice …

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 weakened by the Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby v. Holder. (Adobe Stock)

VA, US groups build support for federal voting rights bills

Groups from Virginia and across the country are working with federal lawmakers to improve voting rights. They are building support for voting rights …

AZ's top election official demands change

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes testified before Congress on Wednesday about the state of our elections system. Public confidence in the …

Voters, particularly Democrats, unaffiliated voters and those who describe themselves as less religious think politicians ignore them, according to the Utah Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns feel ignored by politicians. One Democratic Representative agrees

Politicians not listening to voters is a top concern for Utahns, and one Utah Democratic representative agrees with that sentiment. Rep. Jennifer …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Backers of the Freedom to Vote Act said it would strengthen democracy by securing voting rights, eliminating partisan gerrymandering, reforming campaign finance laws and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit leaders rally for federal voting rights reforms

Nonprofit leaders from around the country gathered on Capitol Hill this week, pushing for what they're calling "sweeping democracy reforms" in …

In March, 65% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats supported allowing a leader of Israel to speak on campus. By June, support among Republicans increased to 73%, while it remained unchanged at 63% for Democrats. (Nopommajun/Adobe Stock)

Study reveals shifting American views on free speech amid Israel-Hamas war

A recent study by Vanderbilt University found that Americans generally love free speech, but their views change occasionally. One instance of this …

Nonprofit leaders push for voting-rights reforms on Capitol Hill

Nonprofit leaders from around the country gathered on Capitol Hill Tuesday, pushing for what they are calling "sweeping democracy reforms," in …

Ohio spends about $12,000 per student annually on public education, which is slightly below the national average. (Pixels Hunter/Adobe Stock)

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

In Ohio, the upcoming elections could have a significant effect on public education. Educators are urging voters to consider how the candidates' …

Beyond additional support for K-12 schools, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill creating a free college tuition program for households earning annual incomes below $80,000. (Adobe Stock)

Former Walz colleagues bring education record into focus

The start of a new year of school in Minnesota has a new twist: intense focus from national media and voters across the U.S. With Gov. Tim Walz …

A measure on ranked choice voting is one of five statewide ballot measures Oregonians will decide this November. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Could women, minorities win more under OR voting measure?

Oregon voters will decide on a potential change to the state's electoral system in November. If passed, Measure 117 would create a ranked choice …

Similar to the faceoff between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump earlier this summer, microphones during Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump's debate will also be muted while one candidate is speaking. (Gage Skidmore)

As Harris, Trump take debate stage, Project 2025 will be a focus

The highly anticipated debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is tonight, and as Election Day inches closer…

According to the Native American Rights Fund, there are 4.7 million Native Americans eligible to vote. (Adobe Stock)<br />

As summer fades, ND organizers feel good about tribal members voting

New findings looking at Native American participation in elections show a mixed bag of news but North Dakota outreach leaders said they are coming off…

A new study suggests that partisanship is less pronounced in local races when a particular local issue is deeply felt by voters. (The Stock Photo Girl/Adobe Stock)<br />

Study: 40% of voters willing to cross party lines on local issues

A common narrative suggests that deeply polarized American voters always support their party's candidates, but a new study suggests otherwise in …

Montana has been carried by the Republican presidential candidate in every election between 1996 and 2020. The last Democrat to carry the state was Bill Clinton in 1992. (Adobe Stock)

Key election issues for Montanans: Population growth, health care, education

Labor Day typically kicks the campaign season into high gear in an election year as candidates sprint to the finish line. Montana has traditionally …

Unlike proposed constitutional amendments sent to Hoosiers in the past, a new succession amendment has not garnered any attention, let alone controversy. (Adobe stock)

Hoosiers face ballot question on governor succession process

By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press India…

Disability health-care costs in Pennsylvania are more than $41 billion per year, or up to 37% of the state's health-care spending, according to the CDC. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe)

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating …

League of Women Voters volunteers have seen an uptick in voter registrations in recent weeks. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

AR volunteers prepare for National Voter Registration Day

Volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are gearing up for National Voter Registration Day, September 17. To register to vote in …

In addition to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Vice Presidential nominees Tim Walz and J.D. Vance have been holding plenty of campaign events in battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Battleground state bonanza: Guidance for WI voters on campaign interactions

For the 2024 presidential election, Wisconsin has retained its status as a battleground state. That means voters are hearing a lot from campaigns …

If approved in November, Proposition 1 would change the way voters elect officials in primaries. (Tracy King/Adobe Stock)

Path cleared to November ballot for open primaries initiative

A proposal to end closed party primaries and use a ranked choice system will appear on the November ballot. With less than two months to the …

The median home price in New Hampshire reached $525,000 in 2024, a nearly 13% increase from a year earlier. Rents in the state are up an average 45% since the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Record high home and rental prices top NH voters concerns

Record-high home prices are a top concern for New Hampshire voters and could impact the outcome of this year's gubernatorial race. All the …

Texas educators said they want democratic representation and a voice in decision-making as-well-as professional training and development. (shootsroom/Adobe Stock)

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

Texas educators spent the summer in meetings and workshops devising a playbook for the upcoming Texas legislative session. The Educator's Bill of …

Of the 10 states with abortion ballot initiatives this November, Nebraska's

NE Supreme Court to hear 3 abortion ballot initiative cases Monday

In an unusual set of circumstances, the Nebraska Supreme Court will hear arguments in three lawsuits about the two abortion-related ballot …

More than three in five Utah voters think Utah is on the wrong track - the largest share observed since 2004, according to The Utah Foundation. (Erich Sacco/Adobe Stock)

Report: Despite partisan politics, Utahns agree on several priorities

Utahns aren't immune from partisan politics and the divisions it can lead to, but a new report shines a light on the issues voters in the Beehive …

Ohio House Bill 458 limits who can deliver absentee ballots to the voter, postal workers or specific close relatives, excluding caregivers and non-relatives. (PhotoSpirit/Adobe Stock)

Controversy erupts over Ohio's proposed drop-box ban

As Ohio gears up for the upcoming election, debates over new voting regulations are heating up. The recent proposal by Secretary of State Frank …

Colorado residents and out-of-state visitors spent an estimated $10.8 billion on outdoor recreation within Colorado's river basins in 2019. About a quarter of this came from participants in water sports such as rafting. (Adobe Stock)

Polis taps nation’s strongest water-quality protections for 15 CO rivers

Nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court left key watersheds unprotected by the Clean Water Act, the Polis administration has designated new …

In 2023, eight counties in Tennessee had fewer than 75% of their estimated eligible voters registered to vote. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)<br /> <br />

Ways cited to increase voter engagement, turnout in TN ahead of Nov. 5

As the general election nears, a study from the think tank ThinkTennessee found the Volunteer State trails most neighboring states on voter …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 20, 2024

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Civic Engagement & Voting

Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN

NE ballot initiatives survive legal challenges

Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI

47 days until Election Day, AZ Congressman has message for young voters

Reports highlight Ohio's evolving voting options for 2024

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

College students press Israeli divestment campaign as school year begins

PA group works to educate voters on deadlines, registration, mail-in ballots

MI voting group energized for National Voter Registration Day

TX League of Women Voters participates in National Voter Registration Day

Young Washingtonians spread word on National Voter Registration Day

In MN, leadership, culture variation part of Hispanic Heritage Month

SD voting advocates hope to avoid ballot challenges seen in primary

MI educators sound alarm about the future of teaching

NV advocates ready for National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday

Survey: Only 53% of high school students think voting is important

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Stalled Child Tax Credit leaves Ohio families in limbo

NY groups expand support for federal voting rights bills

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

Trump holds Tucson campaign rally, his first since debate

VA, US groups build support for federal voting rights bills

AZ's top election official demands change

Utahns feel ignored by politicians. One Democratic Representative agrees

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofit leaders rally for federal voting rights reforms

Study reveals shifting American views on free speech amid Israel-Hamas war

Nonprofit leaders push for voting-rights reforms on Capitol Hill

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

Former Walz colleagues bring education record into focus

Could women, minorities win more under OR voting measure?

As Harris, Trump take debate stage, Project 2025 will be a focus

As summer fades, ND organizers feel good about tribal members voting

Study: 40% of voters willing to cross party lines on local issues

Key election issues for Montanans: Population growth, health care, education

Hoosiers face ballot question on governor succession process

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

AR volunteers prepare for National Voter Registration Day

Battleground state bonanza: Guidance for WI voters on campaign interactions

Path cleared to November ballot for open primaries initiative

Record high home and rental prices top NH voters concerns

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

NE Supreme Court to hear 3 abortion ballot initiative cases Monday

Report: Despite partisan politics, Utahns agree on several priorities

Controversy erupts over Ohio's proposed drop-box ban

Polis taps nation’s strongest water-quality protections for 15 CO rivers

Ways cited to increase voter engagement, turnout in TN ahead of Nov. 5