Elections
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.
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.
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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.
How Route Fifty is covering the 2024 general election
With several decades of experience covering state and local government, our staff looks for stories that resonate most with those working in cities, counties and states.
Threats to election workers as November nears detailed at congressional hearing
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said lies and misinformation about election results make election workers afraid to go about their daily activities "because we don’t know what might be lurking in the buses.”
Officials voted down a controversial Georgia election rule, saying it violated the law. Then a similar version passed.
The rule, which was pushed by nationally prominent election deniers, only changed in minor ways between being voted down in May and approved in August. Those adjustments made it even less compliant with existing law, experts say.
Move over, presidential race. These state governments also are up for grabs.
Thousands of state lawmakers are on the ballot, and control of some statehouses hangs in the balance.
How mapping tech is revolutionizing election administration
Few jurisdictions make use of geographic information system mapping, but those that do use it to help connect voters with polling places, manage requests and assets, and tabulate results.
If a presidential nominee drops out, what happens to states’ ballots?
Experts say it’s likely the Supreme Court would settle the resulting mess.
If you’re in the military, voting this year could be tricky
Military families move often and have to navigate varying state laws, administrative hurdles and a lack of resources for access to the ballot.
