Citizenship/Representative Democracy / Public News Service

In 2023, MnDOT says volunteers spent nearly one hundred thousand hours clearing little along state highways and rest areas in Minnesota. (Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota-Duluth)

Monday, April 29, 2024

MN appeals for roadside cleanup volunteers

Minnesota is closing in on the 35th anniversary of a volunteer program for clearing litter and debris along highways and rest areas. With spring in …

Nevada has 62,000 Urban Indians, according to the University of Nevada, Reno. (Adobe Stock)

Initiative champions Native voices in Nevada political arena

A Nevada grassroots organization has launched its inaugural endorsement process for the 2024 elections in an effort to champion indigenous voices in t…

A 2022 poll found just 41% of Americans said they feel safe at voting sites, while 23% of Gen Z voters said they are too nervous or afraid to vote. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

NH lags behind other states in restricting firearms at polling sites

Concerns about potential voter intimidation have spurred several states to consider banning firearms at polling sites but so far, New Hampshire is …

Despite making up more than 5% of North Dakota's population, fewer than 2% of state legislators are Native American. Advocates said with more Native candidates running, the gap could soon begin to shrink in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

ND sees flurry of campaigning among Native candidates

North Dakota's June 11 primary is inching closer and those running for legislative seats are trying to win over voters, including Native American …

Five of nine full-time maternal-fetal medicine specialists have left Idaho since the state's strict abortion law took effect, according to a report from the Idaho Physician Well-Being Action Collaborative. (Adobe Stock)

Supreme Court hears arguments on Idaho's near-total abortion ban

By Mary Anne Franks for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Northern Rockies News Service reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

Pushback vs. pushback: MN parents respond to political forces in education

Minnesota's largest school district is at the center of a budget controversy tied to the recent wave of school board candidates fighting diversity pro…

Independent and unaffiliated candidates must collect up to six times the number of signatures compared with partisan candidates, according to Make Elections Fair Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Experts, officials discuss electoral discontent in AZ

A new poll finds a near 20-year low in the number of voters who say they have a high interest in the 2024 election, with a majority saying they hold …

A report by the Bipartisan Policy Center found an aging election workforce may be a factor in the increasing turnover rate. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Increasing turnover among election officials a long-term trend

A new report shows the increase in turnover among election officials in Maryland and nationwide is not as dramatic as many have feared. The …

The Brennan Center for Justice says women serving in state legislatures are nearly four times as likely as men to experience abuse of a sexual nature. (Adobe Stock)

In politics, women candidates bear brunt of hateful threats, harassment

Wisconsin women have made progress in closing gaps when it comes to being elected to public office. But some voices worry the movement might slow …

Native American tribes and support organizations have pursued several lawsuits since the 2020 redistricting cycle, in hopes of securing fair political boundaries. There is also a push to get more tribes to be active when maps are drawn, so legal action will not be necessary. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal advocates keep up legal pressure for fair political maps

Across the U.S., most political boundaries tied to the 2020 Census have been in place for a while, but a national project on map fairness for …

128 of the 351 cities and towns in the state have had a change in their local clerk or chief election official since the 2020 presidential election, according to the Massachusetts Secretary of State. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Turnover in MA election officials as presidential election nears

Heightened scrutiny and harassment are helping fuel an increasing turnover rate of election officials in Massachusetts and beyond, according to a new …

New chief election officials have an average of eight years of incoming experience, according to a report by the Bipartisan Policy Center. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NV election officials face unusual level of threats

A new report examined the turnover of election officials from 2000 to 2024 and found it is increasing, albeit slowly. Rachel Orey, senior associate …

More than two million Kentuckians showed up at the polls during the last presidential election in 2020, according to the Kentucky State Board of Elections. (Adobe Stock)

KY primary voter registration deadline approaches

Kentuckians have less than a week to register to vote in next month's primary election. If folks miss the April 22 deadline, residents can still …

Faith in Action Alabama is a nonprofit working toward community safety, equal access to liberty and inclusive democracy. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama groups focus on year-round voter education, activism

Alabama civic-engagement groups are searching for strategies to maintain voter engagement outside of major election years. As candidates gear up for …

Turnover of election officials has been lower in smaller jurisdictions over the past two decades. (Adobe Stock)

New data illustrates turnover trends among local election administrators

Local offices around the country that help administer elections have seen higher rates of turnover in the past two decades. Newly compiled data show …

In a 2022 South Dakota News Watch poll, 79% of South Dakota voters said they think the state tax on groceries should be lowered or repealed. (Adobe Stock)

Measure to end sales tax on groceries could go to SD voters

South Dakotans face high prices at the grocery store and some are working to ease the burden. A new report from the Federal Trade Commission finds …

The Indiana Citizen reports more than 8,700 candidates are running in the May 7 primary. (Adobe stock)

Virtual ballot goes live to inform Hoosiers

It just got easier for Hoosiers to study who is running in the upcoming May primary. The Indiana Citizen, a nonpartisan news platform, has published …

Forty-three states currently have statewide training available to election administrators. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ sees high levels of threats against election officials leading to turnover

A new report examines election official turnover since 2000 and found it's something that has been increasing steadily and might continue to rise…

The Indiana Department of Health 2022 Pregnancy Termination Report showed March as the month when the most abortions were performed. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Ease of access to contraception could lower accidental pregnancies

Vending machines commonly found in workplace break rooms generally contain soft drinks or snacks but one machine in Indianapolis dispenses unconventio…

A report by McKinney Grey Analytics found 40% of Black and Latino people are invisible to voter outreach efforts, while only 18% of white people are missing or incorrectly listed. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 25 million Black, Latino voters missing from databases

Census data indicate among voting-age Americans, nearly 25 million Black and brown eligible voters are missing from commonly used registration …

A quarter of election officials reported being harassed or threatened in 2020. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Report: Election officials left positions at increasing rate since 2000

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

Nationally, turnover in election officials reached 38.7% in 2022. (richjem/Adobe Stock)

Report: Election official turnover trend stretches two decades

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

Turnover of election officials has been lower in smaller jurisdictions over the past two decades. (MyPhotoBuddy/Adobe Stock)

Steady increase in election staff changes over past two decades, report finds

A new report dives into election official turnover during more than two decades. It says rates have increased steadily nationwide since 2000…

In North Dakota's upcoming June 11th primary election, nearly 70 legislative races are on the ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

Voters are consistently reminded to pay attention to local elections. But in 2024, North Dakota groups are stressing that message even more with …

A joint fundraising committee enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. The individual donation limit of $6,600 per candidate per election cycle remains unchanged. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., is joining forces with …

A joint fundraising committee like that set up for Rep. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich. enables donors to contribute up to $13,200 during an election cycle, which can then be divided among multiple candidates. (Chad Davis/Wikimedia Commons)

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

In the midst of political tensions surrounding Israel's handling of the conflict with Hamas, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., has voiced her support for …

Idaho's municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years. (Lane Erickson/Adobe Stock)

ID could boost local election turnout with timing change

A trio of mountain west states has similar politics and geography, but one far outpaces its neighbors in voter turnout. Voting numbers in Wyoming are …

Wayne State University was named nationally as a top 15 Voter Friendly Campus last October, out of 262 U.S. institutions. It's the only one in Michigan, according to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Student Affairs in Higher Education. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan voting: Major changes enhance access for fall elections

Michigan's upcoming fall elections will highlight significant strides in voting accessibility. Recent measures, such as nine days of early voting and …

A new law in Washington state will look into why ballots are rejected during the voting process. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

WA's new ballot curing law ensures state 'counts every voter'

The process for correcting ballot errors is set to become easier this year thanks to a bill passed in Olympia this session. Lawmakers unanimously …

Alabama's Senate Bill 1 makes it a crime for anyone, except in specific situations, to

Alabama advocacy groups sue to block restrictive new voting law

Alabama's front line advocates focused on disability, voting and civil rights are taking legal action against what they see as voter suppression…

In November, Florida voters will get to decide on ballot initiatives that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution, and authorize recreational marijuana use for people ages 21 and older. (cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Florida Supreme Court clears abortion amendment for ballot

Reproductive-rights advocates see a silver lining in the Florida Supreme Court's recent decision. The court upheld a 15-week ban, and a six-week …

While deep political divisions remain, a new PBS/Marist poll showed 81% of Americans acknowledging having friends with different political beliefs than their own. (Adobe Stock)

Poll puts spotlight on political violence concerns in U.S.

Local election leaders in North Dakota do not feel like political violence is something they will encounter but a new national poll added to the list …

Researchers say U.S. federal workers are generally high-performing, impartial and minimally corrupt compared with other countries' civil servants. (Adobe stock)

IN research: Federal workers defy 'deep state' stereotype

Hoosiers running for public office often criticize "the government," despite wanting to be part of it. Research published in The Conversation…

Almost 50% of Arizona adults believe abortion should be legal

AZ pro-choice advocates secure signatures for 2024 ballot measure

Pro-choice advocates in Arizona said they have surpassed the threshold of required signatures to put a measure on the November ballot which would add …

Decades of policies like redlining, that forced people of color into neighborhoods surrounded by industrial polluters, have led to a host of negative health outcomes, including cancers and premature death. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers took a first step toward addressing decades of toxic pollution disproportionately impacting low-income neighborhoods and …

Ohio House Democratic Leader Allison Russo, left, and Ohio Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio, right. (Ohio Statehouse official photos)

Ohio minority leaders Antonio, Russo navigate GOP supermajority

By Megan Henry for the Ohio Capital Journal.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for Ohio Capital Journal-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

Supporters of Colorado's House Bill 1379 said it will help protect Coloradans from flooding, help ensure safe and sufficient drinking water and help preserve fishing, boating, and other recreational opportunities across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Restoring protections for Colorado endangered waters and wetlands

Colorado lawmakers are considering legislation to restore protections to key waters and wetlands struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court last year in a …

According to research from the Brennan Center, if the voter participation gap had not existed in 2020, 9 million more ballots would have been cast. (Adobe Stock)

Southern groups advocate for democracy amid legislative challenges

In the battle for democracy, grassroots organizations throughout the South are actively engaging voters on the issues that directly affect their …

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

Southern groups are mobilizing to protect democracy and empower voters to address the issues that impact their communities, including in North …

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…

A Republican-led provision included in legislation to avert a government shutdown last week effectively bans LGBTQ+ pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies. (Hodim/AdobeStock)

NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates

After 30 years of championing the rights of LGBTQ+ people, Equality New Mexico has its finger on the pulse of supportive legislation and has made its …

Embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agrees to deal to have felony securities fraud charges dropped against him. (Alice Linahan, Voices Empower/Wikimedia)

TX Attorney General gets deal but legal issues not over

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has emerged from a long court case with another win. After nine years and multiple delays, prosecutors …

Wyoming voters who participated in the presidential election of 2020 but not the general election in 2022 have likely been purged from the state's voter rolls and need to re-register with their county clerk before being allowed to vote in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

WY purged 86,000 voters, must re-register for presidential election

More than 86,000 Wyoming voters have been purged from voter rolls, thanks to a state law requiring county clerks to remove people who did not vote in …

OpenSecrets has tracked more than $2.8 billion in dark money spending and contributions reported to the Federal Elections Commission since the Supreme Court's Citizens United v. FEC decision in 2010. (pla2na/Adobe Stock)

'Dark money' floods 2024 elections

Undisclosed funding, or "dark money," is pumping into the 2024 election cycle. Political spending by donors who stay hidden is reaching record …

As of 2020, roughly 29 million eligible voters did not have a non-expired driver's license and more than 7 million lacked any other form of non-expired, government-issued photo identification, according to the nonpartisan group VoteRiders. (Adobe Stock)

NH House passes strict voter ID bill allowing registration challenges

The New Hampshire House passed a bill to eliminate any exceptions to the state's voter ID law and requires documented proof of citizenship in order to…

Indigenous people will be discussing tribal identity on and off Montana reservations and learn what it means to be

Indigenous conference to address cultural identity

Billings-based Western Native Voice is holding its annual membership conference in Great Falls starting tomorrow, and members are discussing …

Gathering signatures for ballot measures can be hard during the snowy winter months. (MAriusz/Adobe Stock)

ID bill could add restrictions to ballot initiative process

Idaho lawmakers are once again looking to change the ballot initiative process in the state. With a little more than a week left in the session…

U.S. researchers said there is a belief that boosting lawmaker pay might lead to more working-class legislators, but their information gathering does not back that up. North Dakota lawmakers are part-time, only meeting in Bismarck every other year. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Working class woefully underrepresented in state legislatures

In North Dakota and all other states, the backgrounds of people serving in state legislatures largely leave out a key demographic, the working class…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - April 29, 2024

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Civic Engagement & Voting

MN appeals for roadside cleanup volunteers

Initiative champions Native voices in Nevada political arena

NH lags behind other states in restricting firearms at polling sites

ND sees flurry of campaigning among Native candidates

Supreme Court hears arguments on Idaho's near-total abortion ban

Pushback vs. pushback: MN parents respond to political forces in education

Experts, officials discuss electoral discontent in AZ

Report: Increasing turnover among election officials a long-term trend

In politics, women candidates bear brunt of hateful threats, harassment

Tribal advocates keep up legal pressure for fair political maps

Turnover in MA election officials as presidential election nears

Report: NV election officials face unusual level of threats

KY primary voter registration deadline approaches

Alabama groups focus on year-round voter education, activism

New data illustrates turnover trends among local election administrators

Measure to end sales tax on groceries could go to SD voters

Virtual ballot goes live to inform Hoosiers

Report: AZ sees high levels of threats against election officials leading to turnover

Advocates: Ease of access to contraception could lower accidental pregnancies

Report: 25 million Black, Latino voters missing from databases

Report: Election officials left positions at increasing rate since 2000

Report: Election official turnover trend stretches two decades

Steady increase in election staff changes over past two decades, report finds

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

Bush joins 'Squad' in rally for $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash races

Tlaib and 'Squad' rally $100 million defense against AIPAC backlash

ID could boost local election turnout with timing change

Michigan voting: Major changes enhance access for fall elections

WA's new ballot curing law ensures state 'counts every voter'

Alabama advocacy groups sue to block restrictive new voting law

Florida Supreme Court clears abortion amendment for ballot

Poll puts spotlight on political violence concerns in U.S.

IN research: Federal workers defy 'deep state' stereotype

AZ pro-choice advocates secure signatures for 2024 ballot measure

Colorado lawmakers eye ways to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities

Ohio minority leaders Antonio, Russo navigate GOP supermajority

Restoring protections for Colorado endangered waters and wetlands

Southern groups advocate for democracy amid legislative challenges

Southern groups mobilize to empower voters, protect democracy

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates

TX Attorney General gets deal but legal issues not over

WY purged 86,000 voters, must re-register for presidential election

'Dark money' floods 2024 elections

NH House passes strict voter ID bill allowing registration challenges

Indigenous conference to address cultural identity

ID bill could add restrictions to ballot initiative process

Study: Working class woefully underrepresented in state legislatures