Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

An AARP Maine survey finds Democratic Gov. Janet Mills with a narrow lead over Republican challenger, former Gov. Paul LePage, 51% to 46%. Among voters 50+, the race is tied at 48%, with women voters 50+ giving Mills the slight lead. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 7, 2022

Older Voters: A Formidable Factor in Maine Gubernatorial Race

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and her challenger, former Republican Gov. Paul LePage, both are courting votes from Maine's largest contingency -- …

In a recent lawsuit, a federal judge found nearly 10 examples in which the State of South Dakota had made it difficult for Native Americans to register to vote. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 7, 2022

Following Settlement with Tribes, SD Phases In Voting-Access Reforms

This election season, South Dakota is starting to implement voting-access reforms in light of a recent settlement with Native American tribes…

One in five Ohioans surveyed said threats to democracy are a top concern before the 2022 midterms.(Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Ohio SOS Launches New Election Investigation Unit

Instances of voter fraud are few and far between, but Ohio election officials want to ensure voters have confidence in the integrity of the system…

The Help America Vote act of 2002 requires each polling place have at least one accessible voting system. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Voting Access Better for MO People with Disabilities; Challenges Remain

With absentee voting under way, election season has arrived in Missouri, but voters with disabilities still face challenges. While poll workers can …

Critics of Arizona's long-term care system are pushing state legislators for more money and staff for the state Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. (godfather/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 6, 2022

AZ Seniors List Social Security, Long-Term Care Among Top Midterm Issues

New polling has revealed older Arizonans, who make up more than half the state's registered voters, are more likely to support candidates with strong …

Utah is one of only eight states where registered voters receive a mail-in ballot for all elections, with more limited mail-in options available in 33 other states. (Laura Images/Adobe Stock)

Mail-In Ballots Remain Popular Among Utah Voters

Election Day is November 8, and Utah elections officials say it isn't too early for voters to start making a plan for casting their ballots. For many…

The number of absentee ballots requested by Michigan voters increased by 73% between the 2018 and 2020 elections, according to the Michigan Secretary of State. (JimCanally/Adobe Stock)

Voter Advocates Say Absentee Ballots Take Hassle Out of Election Day

CLARIFICATION: Lynna Kaucheck is the communications manager for Progress Michigan, and the group is not a sponsor of MichiganVoting.org. Dates to …

A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows Texas voters say the border, at 38%, ranks first as the most urgent issue facing Texas, followed by abortion and inflation. (Wikilmages/Pixabay)

Border Issues Reign for Texas Voters, Immigration Advocates

A Texas human-rights advocacy and immigration-reform group opened two new community centers this week to help residents better understand their freedo…

According to a new poll, 90% of voters 50 and older in Wisconsin say they're extremely motivated to vote in the November election, with issues such as inflation on the top of their minds. (Adobe Stock)

Election Poll: Older WI Residents Drive Home Message on Inflation

Those 50 and older make up more than half of Wisconsin's registered voters, and a new statewide poll shows they want candidates to hear their …

According to a poll by Voto Latino, one of the most important issues to Latino voters in the 2022 midterm elections is abortion rights, with 70% of those surveyed supporting a person's right to choose. (Felipe Sanchez/Adobe Stock)

Latino Voter Turnout Uncertain for 2022 Midterms

With the November midterms fast approaching, concerns have risen about Latino voter turnout. Across the U.S., 11% of voters in the 2020 General …

According to a June poll by Voto Latino, two of the issues that are most important to Latino voters in the 2022 midterm elections are gun safety regulations and abortion rights. (Adobe Stock)

Uncertainty Surrounds NY Latino Voter Turnout for Midterms

As the midterm elections approach, there are concerns about whether Latino voters will turn out as much as they have in past elections. In New York…

Groups that track disinformation say purveyors sometimes back up their claims by referencing fake

NV Pro-Democracy Group Warns about Disinformation

A Nevada democracy watchdog group said social media, blogs, websites and hyperpartisan news organizations are all working overtime to spread …

About one in five adults in the United States has experienced some form of mental illness in a given year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Momius/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month in TN: 'You Are Not Alone'

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to spotlight this issue in Tennessee and across the country. Almost 1,300 …

Not only has inflation created more economic gaps in tribal areas, food experts say it also has sent the cost of things like wild rice soaring. And that has limited access to these staples for Natives living in larger cities, too. (Adobe Stock)

Economic Pressure Builds Ahead of Elections in Tribal Areas

The economy is usually a big topic during elections. With the midterms near, recent inflation woes are especially felt in tribal areas, and …

The last day for Texans to register to vote or change their address before the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 11. (Larisa/Pixabay)

As Midterm Elections Approach, What Are the Risks?

Ahead of the November midterms, the Texas Secretary of State outlined details last week for a campaign aimed at educating voters before the November …

In addition to protecting programs such as Social Security, older North Dakotans have told AARP reducing the threat of scams is another one of their top priorities. (Adobe Stock)

2022 Vote: Social Security, Drug Prices on Minds of ND Seniors

Early voting for the fall election begins one week from today in North Dakota. Candidate debates are on the horizon, too, and older residents are …

Because of its population increase over the past decade, Montana will have two congressional districts this year instead of one. (Svetlana/Adobe Stock)

MT Native Org Getting Folks Registered to Vote

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and one Native American rights organization in Montana is ensuring people are ready to vote in November…

After registering to vote, Ohioans are encouraged to learn more about the offices up for grabs in November. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Voters Urged to Learn about Powers of Public Officials

We're 50 days away from the 2022 midterms, and advocates are encouraging Ohioans to not only learn more about the candidates on the ballot, but the …

This year, more than 70% of attempts to restrict library resources targeted multiple titles. (Adobe Stock)

Banned Books Week Highlighted in NH Libraries

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Michigan voters will decide on a number of races and proposals on the Nov. 8 midterm elections. (1STunningART/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Say it's Time to Get Ready to Vote in Midterm Elections

The midterm elections are coming up on Nov. 8, and advocates are reminding Michiganders to plan now on how, when, and where they will cast their …

In Arkansas, election officials will request that voters provide an approved form of ID. (Annap/AdobeStock)

Arkansans Urged to Register on National Voter Registration Day

Ahead of the general election on November 8, there's an urgent push for voter registration in Arkansas. In 2020, 83% of Arkansas citizens reported …

The American Library Association estimates between 82 and 97 percent of book challenges go unreported. (Adobe Stock)

Censorship in VA Highlighted During Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

The total number of books challenged in 2022 is set to exceed the record set last year. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Libraries Observing Banned Books Week

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Banned Books Week Observed in Wisconsin Libraries

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

According to data from Connecticut's Public Health Department, one in nine adults in the state reported having poor mental health for 14 days or more in a month. Meanwhile, one in six adults in the state has been diagnosed with depression. (Adobe Stock)

CT Aims to Keep People Safe During Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which spotlights the issues in Connecticut and across the U.S. Although suicide rates in …

In response to any claims that absentee voting is prone to fraud, Iowa election leaders say the state's Voter ID law, which is required at the polls and on absentee ballot request forms, protects election integrity. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Group of IA Election Leaders Team Up to Stop Disinformation

Iowa's elections are safe and secure and haven't been subject to widespread fraud. That's the message from a bipartisan group of election …

Nearly every vehicle in the town of Wallowa, Ore., was affected by a hailstorm in August.(Marika Straw)

After Devastating Eastern OR Hailstorm, Neighbors Lend Support

After a devastating hailstorm in eastern Oregon, community members are lending each other a helping hand. In mid-August, a severe storm dropped …

The midterm general election this year is on Nov. 8. (mybaitshop/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofits Mobilize Ahead of November Midterm Election

Nonprofit organizations are ramping up efforts to get out the vote for the election in November. The student-led Montana Public Interest Research …

Milwaukee's city budget process typically begins in late winter or early spring, and then wraps up with a final vote in early November. (Adobe Stock)

WI's Biggest City Has Representation Problem During Budget Planning

The budget process for Wisconsin's largest city is ramping up, and there are concerns residents in underserved areas will not receive as much …

According to a 2021 study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, Americans are split on whether arresting the people involved in the January 6th Capitol Riot was constitutional or not. (Adobe Stock)

More Civics Education Needed for Healthy Democracy

As political tensions have risen in the last few years, experts are calling for a bigger emphasis on civic education. In a 2021 study by the …

Nevada offers same-day registration and voting during the early voting period and on election day.(MKos/Adobestock)<br />

New 2022 'VoteSmartNV' Website Launches

A new nonpartisan website full of 2022 General Election information specifically for Nevada is now live on the internet. VoteSmartNV.org lets people …

None of Nebraska's five members of Congress earned a perfect or even near-perfect score on this year's Democracy Scorecard. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Congressional Delegation Scores Low on “Democracy Scorecard”

The top issue for voters heading into the November elections, even above jobs and the economy, is a growing fear American democracy is under threat…

According to the Georgia Department of Drivers Services website, Georgia law requires photo identification when voting either in person or absentee. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock) ">

Georgia Voter Registration On Rise Before General Election

The Georgia Automatic Voter Registration system is back up and running after being offline for 15 months. The system opts in eligible residents to …

In the past year, school districts have been pressured by conservative groups to weed out certain teachings about race. But others say there should be more concern about the lack of civics curriculum. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Civics Education Needed Now More Than Ever

Over the weekend, communities in Iowa observed the 21st anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Since those historic events, political tension has escalated…

Beyond crime and safety, a survey of East Metro residents of the Twin Cities area found that education and economic impacts from COVID-19 were considered significant issues. (Adobe Stock)

MN Survey Shows Declining Trust in Key Institutions

The midterm elections are near - meaning candidates, political analysts and the media want to know more about what voters are thinking. Those behind …

Susie Martinez of the Nevada AFL-CIO speaks at a news conference organized by the Cortez Masto campaign on Wednesday. (Tony Hernandez)

Cortez Masto, Laxalt Campaigns Trade Abortion Accusations

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and her Republican challenger, former state attorney general Adam Laxalt, are accusing each other of …

The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute estimates rural Georgia could see its uninsured rate climb to more than 25% by 2026. (fernandozhiminaicela/Pixabay)

Fellowship Aims to Bridge Gaps in Georgia's Health-Care System

Navigating the complex maze of health insurance can be daunting even for seasoned professionals. In Georgia, one woman is hoping to make the process …

In recent weeks, voters in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District have received a series of four political mailers that fail to identify the sender. (Office of the Attorney General)

State AG Investigates Anonymous Campaign Ads

State attorney general John Formella's office is continuing to investigate four anonymous mailers sent to voters in the 2nd Congressional District jus…

National surveys show local election administration roles are often held by women, especially for smaller jurisdictions. (Adobe Stock)

In ND, Women Shine in Overseeing Local Elections

More American women are being elected to public office. There is a mixed outlook in North Dakota, but women have a strong presence in local election …

A new report says the Senate filibuster blocked a number of pro-democracy bills. (house.gov)

Democracy Scorecard: Where Do Ohio's Representatives Stand?

Most of Ohio's members of the 117th Congress do not fare well in a biannual report tracking their positions on issues affecting democracy. The …

Congress approved the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2020, and it was rolled out this year. (Orawan/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness that People 'Aren't Alone'

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting a pressing issue in Idaho. The state had the fifth-highest suicide rate in the country …

To be a poll worker, you have to be a citizen of the United States and a registered voter of the county in which you plan to work. (Trimmel Gomes)

Experience Florida's Elections Process From Within as a Poll Worker

Voting is one way to play a pivotal role in Florida's electoral process, and another way is by being a poll worker to help ensure elections are …

A recent report finds 30 Washington state legislators were in far-right groups which frequently spread disinformation on Facebook. (cirquedesprit/Adobe Stock)

WA Candidates Tied to Far-Right On Ballot in November

Washington state's primary results have diminished fears of a far-right insurgency in the state's elections. But there are still concerns that 2020 …

Gov. Tom Wolf said of a tougher gift ban, "That new standard of accountability remains an important step to restore faith in government and has worked successfully for more than seven years." (Mandritoiu/Adobe Stock)">

Group Turns Up Heat on PA Lawmakers to Pass Gift Ban

Pennsylvania law allows an elected official to accept a gift - including cash - as long as it's disclosed in annual reports. But that raises some …

In 2020, more than 53% of people with disabilities voted by mail, compared to 42% of people without disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans with Disabilities: More Voting Power, Fewer Restrictions

As of Tuesday, Iowans can begin requesting absentee ballots for the upcoming midterm elections, and as the process takes shape, advocates for people …

Survey Ranks Utah Last Among States for Women's Equality

In the 1960s, women were told in ad campaigns, "You've come a long way, baby." But in Utah, that may not be the case. Women's Equality Day is this …

One in 16 African Americans of voting age is disenfranchised, a rate 3.7 times greater than that of non-African Americans, according to The Sentencing Project. (themarshallproject.org)

Report: 'Unlock the Vote' at U.S. Jails Shows Progress, Obstacles

Every election, thousands of people are disenfranchised from voting because they are incarcerated. But Houston's Harris County Jail has shown the two …

A federal district judge found that the current system for electing people to the Georgia's Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities, gave Black residents' votes less weight. (Pixabay)

High Court Victory For Black Voters Challenging Georgia's Election Rules

The Supreme Court is upholding a victory for Black voters who claimed Georgia's elections process for electing members to the statewide Public Service…

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PNS Daily Newscast - October 7, 2022

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Civic Engagement

Older Voters: A Formidable Factor in Maine Gubernatorial Race

Following Settlement with Tribes, SD Phases In Voting-Access Reforms

Ohio SOS Launches New Election Investigation Unit

Voting Access Better for MO People with Disabilities; Challenges Remain

AZ Seniors List Social Security, Long-Term Care Among Top Midterm Issues

Mail-In Ballots Remain Popular Among Utah Voters

Voter Advocates Say Absentee Ballots Take Hassle Out of Election Day

Border Issues Reign for Texas Voters, Immigration Advocates

Election Poll: Older WI Residents Drive Home Message on Inflation

Latino Voter Turnout Uncertain for 2022 Midterms

Uncertainty Surrounds NY Latino Voter Turnout for Midterms

NV Pro-Democracy Group Warns about Disinformation

Suicide Prevention Month in TN: 'You Are Not Alone'

Economic Pressure Builds Ahead of Elections in Tribal Areas

As Midterm Elections Approach, What Are the Risks?

2022 Vote: Social Security, Drug Prices on Minds of ND Seniors

MT Native Org Getting Folks Registered to Vote

Ohio Voters Urged to Learn about Powers of Public Officials

Banned Books Week Highlighted in NH Libraries

MI Groups Say it's Time to Get Ready to Vote in Midterm Elections

Arkansans Urged to Register on National Voter Registration Day

Censorship in VA Highlighted During Banned Books Week

Ohio Libraries Observing Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week Observed in Wisconsin Libraries

CT Aims to Keep People Safe During Suicide Prevention Month

Bipartisan Group of IA Election Leaders Team Up to Stop Disinformation

After Devastating Eastern OR Hailstorm, Neighbors Lend Support

Nonprofits Mobilize Ahead of November Midterm Election

WI's Biggest City Has Representation Problem During Budget Planning

More Civics Education Needed for Healthy Democracy

New 2022 'VoteSmartNV' Website Launches

Nebraska Congressional Delegation Scores Low on “Democracy Scorecard”

Georgia Voter Registration On Rise Before General Election

Expert: Civics Education Needed Now More Than Ever

MN Survey Shows Declining Trust in Key Institutions

Cortez Masto, Laxalt Campaigns Trade Abortion Accusations

Fellowship Aims to Bridge Gaps in Georgia's Health-Care System

State AG Investigates Anonymous Campaign Ads

In ND, Women Shine in Overseeing Local Elections

Democracy Scorecard: Where Do Ohio's Representatives Stand?

Suicide Prevention Month: Raising Awareness that People 'Aren't Alone'

Experience Florida's Elections Process From Within as a Poll Worker

WA Candidates Tied to Far-Right On Ballot in November

Group Turns Up Heat on PA Lawmakers to Pass Gift Ban

Iowans with Disabilities: More Voting Power, Fewer Restrictions

Survey Ranks Utah Last Among States for Women's Equality

Report: 'Unlock the Vote' at U.S. Jails Shows Progress, Obstacles

High Court Victory For Black Voters Challenging Georgia's Election Rules