Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

Idaho's 23rd district between Boise and Twin Falls has a large prison population. (ronstik/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Prison Gerrymandering Could Dilute Idahoans' Representation

BOISE, Idaho -- As Idaho redraws the lines for its voting districts, the state's prison population could skew representation toward the places where …

The legislative committees on redistricting have yet to put out congressional maps. (Christian Pauschert/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Groups Hope New Maps Can Bring More Reflective Diversity to MA Politics

FALL RIVER, Ma. -- The redistricting process in Massachusetts is well under way, with the Senate expected to vote soon on new maps for the next …

The two Democratic commissioners on the Montana Districting and Apportionment Committee drew the group's 11th proposed map. (Legislative Services Division)

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Native Americans Look On as MT Panel Eyes 2 Redistricting Maps

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana's redistricting commission is nearing a decision on how to draw its two congressional districts. Native American …

Lakeland High School Class of 1930. Maryland's Lakeland was a once-thriving Black community that was destroyed by urban renewal in 1975. (Lakeland Community Heritage Project)<br /> — Lakeland High School Class of 1930. Maryland's Lakeland was a once-thriving Black community that was destroyed by urban renewal in 1975. (Lakeland Community Heritage Project)

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

New MD Redistricting Map Complicates Town’s Quest for Restorative Justice

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- A last-minute change to a Maryland county's redistricting map is throwing a wrench into a restorative justice process, which …

Erie is one of Pennsylvania's swing counties, having favored Donald Trump in 2016 and supporting President Joe Biden in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 25, 2021

Progressive Candidates Challenging Status Quo in Rural PA

ERIE, Pa. -- The Keystone State is seeing several barrier-breaking progressive candidates running for office in unexpected places: rural Pennsylvania…

Calls for audits have swept across states after false claims the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 25, 2021

Zeal for MT Election Probe Stirs Concerns of Undermining Voter Confidence

HELENA, Mont. - Republican lawmakers in Montana want to investigate the 2020 election. Some are concerned this could weaken trust in voting. In a …

Although people spent less time on average on Facebook than some other social media sites, the vast majority said they'd had arguments there. (jpgon/Adobe Stock)

How Social Media Design Fuels Online Fights

SEATTLE - Constructive conversations online can seem few and far between. Research from the University of Washington explores how the design of …

There is already some vocal disagreement about the Arkansas Legislature's new congressional-district map, which splits the Little Rock area between three of the four districts. (Adobe Stock)

AR Group Petitioning to Overturn Congressional Redistricting Map

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A voting-rights coalition is pushing to overturn Arkansas' new congressional maps approved by the state Legislature this month…

Michigan lawmakers have introduced legislation to end prison gerrymandering, but so far it has not progressed. (McKee Digital/Adobe Stock)

Redistricting Commission Seeks Public Input on New Maps

DETROIT -- The first of five public hearings on the latest drafts of Michigan's new voting district maps takes place today in Detroit. The final maps …

Ballot collection for absentee voters can be an important service in Montana because weather can be hard to navigate at election time. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Ballot Collection Law Could Affect Older Montanans' Ability to Vote

HELENA, Mont. -- A new law in Montana, which its backers said was designed to cut down on fraud, could instead make it more difficult for some …

Co-Chair of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp, R-Lima, represents the gerrymandered "duck district," an area that touches 14 counties. (All on the Line Ohio)

Fair Map Groups Hold People's Redistricting Hearing at Statehouse

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Demands for fair maps and a transparent congressional redistricting process are getting louder in Ohio. Despite a looming Oct…

Even though Republicans currently are in control of all levels of state government, supporters of the state's redistricting process say it has paved the way for competitive races in many elections. (Adobe Stock)

Is IA's Nonpartisan Redistricting Facing Headwinds?

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Going into the current redistricting cycle, Iowa was lauded for its nonpartisan process, but as new political maps are crafted…

The town of Simsbury plans to preserve the remaining tobacco barns on the Meadowood farmland, some of which have been lost to solar-farm development. (Kesha Lambert)

Town Purchases, Preserves CT Tobacco Farm Where MLK Jr. Worked

SIMSBURY, Conn. - A northern Connecticut town now owns a former tobacco farm where Martin Luther King Jr. spent some of his teenage years. More …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting a flu shot by the end of October offers the best seasonal protection. (Adobe Stock)

MN Nurse: Flu Shot Could Help Avoid Double-Whammy

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Parts of Minnesota are still seeing a COVID-19 surge, with the flu season also taking shape. Health officials say that dangerous …

Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the country for total COVID vaccination doses administered. (Adobe Stock)

New COVID Vaccine Grant Supports PA Orgs Tackling Hesitancy

PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania hit a milestone last week with 70% of adults fully vaccinated - but there's still work to be done. A new grant program …

Republicans in charge of Florida's redistricting process say conversations still are ongoing on how to include public participation in the redistricting process despite proposals from Democrats and advocates. (terimakasih0/Pixabay)

Will Florida Lawmakers Hold Public Hearings on Redistricting?

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - When it comes to Florida's once-a-decade process of redrawing political boundaries, known as redistricting, both House and Senate …

Kentucky resident Ethan Koeler spent two weeks in the hospital after contracting the coronavirus. (ETHAN KOELER/FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHY KENTUCKY)

Kentuckian, 29, Hospitalized with COVID-19 Speaks Out on Vaccine

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Marshall County resident Ethan Koeler said he was skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine. Then the 29-year-old contracted the novel …

Agency registration is a low form of voter registration in Ohio, but accounts for many of those rejected. (AdobeStock)

Red Flags Raised Over Voter-Registration Rejections in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A high percentage of rejected voter registrations in three of Ohio's biggest counties is raising some red flags. According to the …

Virginia's statewide election is Tues., Nov. 2, and polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Adobe stock)<br /> — Virginia's statewide election is Tues., Nov. 2, and polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Adobe stock)

In Critical Virginia Election, Absentee Ballots Need Witness Signatures

CORRECTION: The last day to request absentee ballots in Virginia is Fri., Oct. 22. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Oct…

Racial-justice advocates in Minnesota say standard political practices, such as redistricting, often prevent communities of color from having an equal voice. (Adobe Stock)

BIPOC Participation Concerns Hang Over MN Redistricting Hearings

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A special court panel is hosting public hearings this month, asking Minnesotans what new political maps should look like, and …

Public comments on Missouri's voting district maps for the next 10 years can be submitted online, at the Missouri Redistricting Commission Hub. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Urges Missourians to Join Redistricting Process

ST. LOUIS - Public hearings for Missouri's redistricting process begin Saturday in St. Louis and continue next week in Springfield and Kansas City…

Across Tennessee, groups are hosting public forums to engage residents in the redistricting process. The state Legislature will vote on the finalized electoral maps in January. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Across Tennessee, groups are hosting public forums to engage residents in the redistricting process. The state Legislature will vote on the finalized electoral maps in January. (Adobe Stock)

Civic Groups Host East TN Redistricting Hearing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- East Tennesseans can learn more about the redistricting process in Tennessee and share input at an upcoming public hearing held …

Wyoming's new voter districts are expected to impact how the state addresses falling fossil-fuel revenues, Medicaid expansion, and how local school boards shape public education. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Voters Urged to Give Feedback on New Voter District Maps

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- As Wyoming lawmakers sort through new 2020 census numbers to update voting districts, watchdog groups are encouraging all residents …

Between 2000 and 2010, Texas' population increased by nearly 4.3 million, more than in all other states, with Houston adding 200,000 residents. (act014/Pixabay)

TX House Takes Up Redistricting Map That Lacks Minority Representation

AUSTIN, Texas -- Data from the 2020 U.S. Census showed 95% of Texas' population growth came from minorities, but the proposed redistricting map …

South Dakota lawmakers face a Dec. 1 deadline to approve new legislative maps. Currently, they're in the process of gathering public feedback. (Adobe Stock)

Gerrymandering Concerns Surface in SD Redistricting Hearings

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Proposed updates to South Dakota's legislative maps are getting a dose of public scrutiny, with hearings being held across the …

This year's election already has begun. Voters can request an absentee ballot as long as they return it by Election Day, Nov. 2, by mail, at a town office or city hall or at a drop box. (Adobe Stock)

Nonpartisan Citizen's Guide Helps Voters Get Informed Before Nov. 2

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Election officials in Maine are urging voters to get informed about the questions on the ballot before they vote Nov. 2. This year …

Representatives from Indigenous groups that worked with acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey to establish Indigenous Peoples Day in the city joined her for the declaration signing. (City of Boston)

Communities Urge Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day Across MA

BOSTON -- The city of Boston has declared today Indigenous Peoples' Day for the first time, and a bill before the General Assembly would make that …

Researchers are trying to come with a new mechanism for debunking misinformation being shared online. (Adobe Stock)

Fighting Misinformation: Pumping up News Feeds With Facts

MADISON, Wis. -- How do you fight an onslaught of misinformation surrounding the 2020 election? A University of Wisconsin communications professor …

The Native American Voting Rights Act, recently introduced in Congress, would give tribes a say in where and how many polling places are located on tribal lands. (idigenousaction.org)

NM Museum to Highlight History of Indigenous Voting

SANTA FE, N.M. - A New Mexico museum is in the first stage of creating an exhibit devoted to the history of indigenous voting. As recently as 1962…

A 2010 district map may have diluted the political clout of Latino and Native American voters in Yakima, Wash. (Andrew Black/Adobe Stock)

WA Redistricting: Communities of Color Push for Fair Representation

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- As the Washington State Redistricting Commission considers drawing new lines for voting districts, a coalition of groups is urging …

Democratic commissioners have proposed five maps for Montana's two congressional seats, and Republicans have proposed four. (olinchuk/Adobe Stock)

MT's Independent Redistricting Panel Dampens Partisan Conflict

HELENA, Mont. -- Montana's redistricting commission has released proposed maps for Montana's two new congressional seats, and the commission's …

The Freedom to Vote Act, introduced in the Senate, among other measures, would prevent partisan gerrymandering and ensure transparency in the redistricting process. (tampatra/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say Federal Legislation Needed to Open Up IN Redistricting Process

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Eric Holcomb signed new voting district maps for the General Assembly into law this week, but good-government groups say not …

The most recent major renovations to Cheyenne's Union Pacific Depot were completed in 2006. The building now ishome to the Cheyenne Depot Museum. (Adobe Stock)

Saving More of Wyoming’s Older Buildings Could Boost Local Economies

RIVERTON, Wyo. - Community and economic-development leaders are gathering in Riverton this week for the 2021 Wyoming Working Together Conference…

Fewer than one in five bills introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly actually receives consideration. Democratic senators think amending the Senate rules could change those odds. (Adobe Stock)

PA Dems: New Rules Needed for State Senate Accountability

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With just two weeks until the state Senate reconvenes, Pennsylvania lawmakers appear to have two different sets of priorities…

North Dakota has nearly 1,700 active lawyers, but a report says most are centered in urban areas. A majority of the state's 53 counties have 5 or fewer lawyers. (Adobe Stock)

Is ND Turning Into a Legal Desert?

MINOT, N.D. - North Dakota has just had a new class of attorneys admitted to the state bar. But some in the legal community feel there aren't enough …

Meetings on redistricting in Idaho began in the State Capitol on Sept. 1. (Devin Allphin/Adobe Stock)

As ID Redistricting Sprints to Finish, Latinx Coalition Urges Engagement

BOISE, Idaho - Redistricting is happening fast in Idaho, and one group wants to ensure the state's Latinx voices are heard in this process. The …

Iowa officials say 90% of state residents who are eligible to vote are currently registered. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans Urged to Handle Voter Registration Ahead of Fall Elections

DES MOINES, Iowa -- In five weeks, voters in many Iowa cities will cast their ballots for local elections, and the Secretary of State's office is …

Nevada is one of 22 states that allow election-day voter registration. (Dodgerton Skillhause/Morguefile)

NV Good-Government Groups Celebrate National Voter Registration Day

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Today is National Voter Registration Day, and civic groups are fanning out across the state to help people register or update …

Election day this year is Nov. 2. (bizoo_n/Adobe Stock)

Montanans Encouraged to Get Engaged on Voter Registration Day

HELENA, Mont. - Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day and organizations across the country are encouraging people to make sure they're signed up …

"Your Shot Texas" is a statewide pooled COVID-19 vaccination fund designed to reach people of color and under-resourced rural and urban communities. (news.calpers.ca.gov)

TX Health Workers Target ZIP Codes to Tackle Lagging Vaccination Rates

HOUSTON - Door-to-door and "ZIP-code-by-ZIP-code" is how some COVID-19 health workers in Texas are reaching the vaccine-hesitant. The "Your Shot …

Wisconsin's divided government, underscored by claims of gerrymandering, has often seen legal fights over redistricting. (Adobe Stock)

Redistricting: Taking It to the Virtual Streets

HUDSON, Wis. -- A day-long virtual lobby session will be led Monday by Wisconsin's Fair Maps Coalition, so people can share their concerns with state …

Final versions of revised New York congressional, State Senate, and Assembly district maps are expected to be ready by Jan. 15, 2022, at the earliest. Another 14 public hearings will be held before the end of December. (NYIRC)

NY Groups for Fair Redistricting Question Release of Two Draft Map Sets

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Some New Yorkers are voicing concerns about the creation of not one, but two draft maps for congressional, State Senate and …

North Dakota's redistricting committee meets next week on Tues., Sept. 28, and Wed., Sept. 29, and could make additional changes to a new voting-district map that advanced this week. (Adobe Stock)

ND Group: Redistricting Process Moving Too Fast

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota lawmakers in charge of redistricting have approved a preliminary draft of new legislative boundaries, but voters' …

Political canvassing across the country dropped dramatically during the 2020 election due to concerns over COVID-19 transmission via in-person door-knocking. (Adobe Stock)

WV Canvassers Brace for More Challenges as Pandemic Continues

LEWISBURG, W. Va. -- Political canvassers and organizers in the state are expecting they will continue to struggle with challenges to traditional …

Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission has held three public hearings so far to gather resident's input on the redistricting process. (Adobe Stock)

PA Creates Redistricting Advisory Council to Help Prevent Gerrymandering

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A new Redistricting Advisory Council announced last week by Gov. Tom Wolf's office will focus on reducing gerrymandering as new …

A group of U.S. Senators has introduced a new voting-rights bill, known as the Freedom to Vote Act. (ungvar/Adobe Stock)

Groups See MO Proposals as Voter-Suppression Attempts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- As lawmakers in Congress work to expand access to voting, members of the Missouri Legislature are proposing laws their critics …

Every 10 years, Florida legislators redraw political divisions or boundaries for state legislative and congressional districts. (DXR/Wikimedia Commons)

Advocates: Florida's Redistricting Process Needs More "Sunshine"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- After census delays, Florida lawmakers kick off the complex, once-a-decade process of redrawing state legislative and …

Every 10 years, states, including Arizona, go through the process of using new census data to redraw the boundaries for congressional and legislative districts. (Wikimedia Commons)

Groups: AZ Redistricting Panel Excludes Communities of Color

PHOENIX -- Latinos and other communities of color showed their newfound muscle in the 2020 elections, helping to vote Arizona Democrats into the …

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PNS Daily Newscast - October 28, 2021

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Civic Engagement

Prison Gerrymandering Could Dilute Idahoans' Representation

Groups Hope New Maps Can Bring More Reflective Diversity to MA Politics

Native Americans Look On as MT Panel Eyes 2 Redistricting Maps

New MD Redistricting Map Complicates Town’s Quest for Restorative Justice

Progressive Candidates Challenging Status Quo in Rural PA

Zeal for MT Election Probe Stirs Concerns of Undermining Voter Confidence

How Social Media Design Fuels Online Fights

AR Group Petitioning to Overturn Congressional Redistricting Map

Redistricting Commission Seeks Public Input on New Maps

Ballot Collection Law Could Affect Older Montanans' Ability to Vote

Fair Map Groups Hold People's Redistricting Hearing at Statehouse

Is IA's Nonpartisan Redistricting Facing Headwinds?

Town Purchases, Preserves CT Tobacco Farm Where MLK Jr. Worked

MN Nurse: Flu Shot Could Help Avoid Double-Whammy

New COVID Vaccine Grant Supports PA Orgs Tackling Hesitancy

Will Florida Lawmakers Hold Public Hearings on Redistricting?

Kentuckian, 29, Hospitalized with COVID-19 Speaks Out on Vaccine

Red Flags Raised Over Voter-Registration Rejections in Ohio

In Critical Virginia Election, Absentee Ballots Need Witness Signatures

BIPOC Participation Concerns Hang Over MN Redistricting Hearings

Coalition Urges Missourians to Join Redistricting Process

Civic Groups Host East TN Redistricting Hearing

Wyoming Voters Urged to Give Feedback on New Voter District Maps

TX House Takes Up Redistricting Map That Lacks Minority Representation

Gerrymandering Concerns Surface in SD Redistricting Hearings

Nonpartisan Citizen's Guide Helps Voters Get Informed Before Nov. 2

Communities Urge Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day Across MA

Fighting Misinformation: Pumping up News Feeds With Facts

NM Museum to Highlight History of Indigenous Voting

WA Redistricting: Communities of Color Push for Fair Representation

MT's Independent Redistricting Panel Dampens Partisan Conflict

Groups Say Federal Legislation Needed to Open Up IN Redistricting Process

Saving More of Wyoming’s Older Buildings Could Boost Local Economies

PA Dems: New Rules Needed for State Senate Accountability

Is ND Turning Into a Legal Desert?

As ID Redistricting Sprints to Finish, Latinx Coalition Urges Engagement

Iowans Urged to Handle Voter Registration Ahead of Fall Elections

NV Good-Government Groups Celebrate National Voter Registration Day

Montanans Encouraged to Get Engaged on Voter Registration Day

TX Health Workers Target ZIP Codes to Tackle Lagging Vaccination Rates

Redistricting: Taking It to the Virtual Streets

NY Groups for Fair Redistricting Question Release of Two Draft Map Sets

ND Group: Redistricting Process Moving Too Fast

WV Canvassers Brace for More Challenges as Pandemic Continues

PA Creates Redistricting Advisory Council to Help Prevent Gerrymandering

Groups See MO Proposals as Voter-Suppression Attempts

Advocates: Florida's Redistricting Process Needs More "Sunshine"

Groups: AZ Redistricting Panel Excludes Communities of Color