Politics
Polarized politics has changed the dynamics of legislation and policymaking at the state and local level. Political parties with supermajorities are increasingly in control in many states and cities. These stories explain what that means for legislators, governors and mayors and how politicians can navigate this new political landscape.
Andrew Cuomo avoided the mistakes that kept his father from reaching his full potential. But then he found other mistakes to make.
For many localities across the swing state, election workers are bracing for a flood of conspiracy theories and abuse on Election Day in November. But through its history, culture and grassroots efforts, one Pennsylvania county has a different experience.
Republican Sen. Mike Braun remains favored but has not been able to build a substantial lead in Indiana. Voters in Oakland, Calif., meanwhile, might recall the mayor and the district attorney in one fell swoop.
Despite some local officials’ claims that they will not certify election results, there are ample safeguards to ensure that ballots are tabulated accurately and election results are certified in a timely manner.
Both red and blue states across the nation have emission reducing plans that are dependent on federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. Depending on who is elected in November, available funding could change.
Term-limited as governor of Delaware, Democrat John Carney decided to cap his career with a stint as mayor of Wilmington.
New analysis shows the breadth of Nebraska campaign giving by Pete Ricketts and his parents, which spiked when he ran for governor and spiked again to support Jim Pillen, who soon appointed Ricketts to the U.S. Senate.
Aaron Peskin, who is an advocate for community services, rent control and neighborhood preservation, is now an underdog in the famously liberal city’s mayoral race that wants a hard-line approach to homelessness and crime.
Voters and voting offices in Western N.C. face unprecedented challenges in finding their bearings, and each other.
Law enforcement officials aren’t supposed to appear in campaign ads showing a badge or wearing a uniform. But lots of them are doing it.
Generally not that much when it comes to the economy or utility bills or how bureaucracy functions. But there are some important things they can influence.
Future in Context
From revitalizing the economy to confronting his city’s racial past, Tulsa, Okla., Mayor G.T. Bynum leaves office having created a focus on unity and progress. He is the fourth member of his family to serve as mayor.
Decades ago, enterprising newcomers had the run of legislative chambers. Control of campaign funds has changed that dynamic.
Voting reform advocates say ranked-choice voting will give voters more voice in their elections. But clerks of small counties worry that any advantages will be undermined by more cost and confusion.
Voters in eight states will decide whether to bar municipalities from allowing noncitizens to vote. Few noncitizens cast illegal votes, leading critics to claim the issue is being hyped for political reasons.
This fall, residents will vote on two major criminal justice ballot measures, one of which would increase the time some criminals serve in prison and the other would create a $350 million fund for police agencies.
The rate of turnover among chief election officials has increased continuously since 2020. That doesn’t mean the workforce now in place lacks experience, according to a recent report.
Despite the postmaster general’s assurances, the mail agency’s operational statistics aren’t encouraging for the coming elections.
The bipartisanship that Cecil Andrus, Dan Evans and Tom McCall practiced decades ago sets them apart from many of today’s political leaders. It helped that they had shared values — and that they liked each other.
The new law decreases the number of ballot drop boxes available, tightens the ballot application deadline, includes voter ID requirements and bans the handing out of water to voters.
Several chamber leaders lost their seats in primaries this year, a sign of the difficulty they've had dealing with their own parties at the Capitol. Also, in a surprise, it looks like San Francisco Mayor London Breed will win another term.
By one estimate, only 10 percent of homeless citizens end up casting votes. There are many steps states can take to lower barriers to participation.
The Republican has rewritten the tax code, streamlined agencies and upended the state’s approach on issues ranging from abortion to education.
G.T. Bynum has attracted the largest employers ever to land in Tulsa while dramatically expanding its parks. He’s also helped the city confront its racist past.
As president, Trump signed a sweeping criminal justice reform measure. During the campaign this year, he's returned to his roots as a tough-on-crime politician.
A startling number of elections — more than two-thirds — are left uncontested.
Sending last-minute money to more than 30 state and territorial parties in the campaign’s closing weeks means the DNC will have sent money to every such party for the first time.
For many politicians at both a state and national level, education has become a topic to avoid during this year’s election cycle. But with its significance to state and local communities, some local officials want to bring the issue forward.
Pandemic protections offer more ballot options, but election lies are driving new restrictions.
On Sunday, California Democrats will hold their first major candidate debate for those vying to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026. Four of the five current candidates will face off.
One key issue for working-class and low-income Black voters in Detroit is the cost of water. As of 2023, 27 percent of Detroit households are at risk of having their water shut off due to unpaid water bills, with $700 being the average amount owed.
